Several cases of measles in Poitiers… And if we were facing an epidemic ?

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Published the 24.01.2018 at 12: 33

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The example of Bordeaux we had proven that we were not rid of the measles. The announcement, by the CHU of Poitiers, of 10 cases of this disease, some of which have required hospitalization, engages with the public authorities, specialists of infectious diseases and vaccination.

Europe has in fact put in place, between 2005 and 2010, a plan to eliminate this disease, that is to say, that after this date, it should, theoretically, be outbreaks, even if they are small. With success in the northern countries of Europe. In particular, in the netherlands, where the disease has disappeared completely.

The “good citizenship” health, first line of defense against epidemics

Not by a miracle ! The decrease or eradication of an infectious disease is proportional to the rate of vaccination, which is clearly insufficient in France. In our country, the disease had, in a first time, practically disappeared and the case be counted on the fingers of the hand. A peak in 2005 has changed the situation. Since January 1, 2008, more than 23 000 cases of measles were reported in France, of which nearly 15 000 cases reported in 2011. The battle is not won, far from it, as confirmed by what is probably a new pic.

Not always benign

Measles, in most cases, was not considered a serious disease. However, the tone has changed on the part of health authorities who speak today of the highly contagious disease to be taken seriously. Since 2008, more than 1 000 cases presented with complications, hospitalizations, and 10 deaths. This is why it is now a notifiable disease…

The vaccine is effective, but this story demonstrates that vaccination, it is of course to protect themselves, but also to protect the other. You have the means to eliminate these diseases. In its press release, the ARS puts it, “inadequate immunization coverage”, including New-Aquitaine, and particularly in the Gironde. Probably the same findings will be derived in the Poitou.

Remember that the vaccine, which is done in two injections, is called the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella). It is recommended between 12 and 18 months and can be caught at any age.