It is an alert message sent to all health and early childhood professionals dated March 7: measles is extended, surveillance is in order. In an “urgent DGS”, the Ministry of Health asked all to “reinforced surveillance (…) regarding the early detection of measles and the implementation of appropriate prevention measures.”
The reason? A “recent increase” to the number of cases of this extremely contagious disease in France, but also in the European continent and in the rest of the world since 2023. Many cases have been imported from Morocco, where the epidemic is a rampant.
Towards a “broader diffusion in the coming weeks”
The different French health authorities do not have “consolidated” data at a national scale. However, everyone confirms an “increase” to their level.
In Hauts-de-France, the Regional Health Agency (ARS) mentions “an active circulation of the virus” that “refers to children and adults”. In the Auverne-Rhône-Alpes region, Ars reports 23 cases since the beginning of the year. Therefore, we talk about “groups” and not epidemic, at least at this stage.
Due to the highly contagious nature of the disease, this specific seasonal spring virus could spread as a trace of dust. Therefore, the Ministry anticipates “in view of the strong infection of the disease, a broader distribution in the national territory in the coming weeks.”
“The measles virus is an extremely contagious virus, a person can contaminate between 12 and 15 people who are not vaccinated in their entourage,” explained in February in BFMTV Laura Zanetti, epidemiologist and assistant responsible for diseases and health vaccination of the unit.
Measles pollution is done through drops of saliva: cough, sneezing, pants, contacts by dirty hands by saliva; During close contacts with infected people; by objects contaminated by secretions of the nose or throat (toys, scarves, etc.).
The patient is contagious for a five -day window before the start of the eruption (maximum infection phase) and up to five days after the start of the eruption.
A disease that can cause serious forms
The disease, in general benign, manifests itself for fatigue, fever and small very characteristic pimples. “After 10 days, everything can return to normal,” BFMTV’s Robert Sebbag infectologist at BFMTV at the Piti-Salpêtrière hospital in Paris (AP-HP).
But serious forms may also appear. “The problem is that sometimes you have encephalitis that can cause death,” said the specialist. According to US health authorities, occurrences are around 1 for 1000 cases.
The fact is that this disease has an important enemy: vaccination. It is mandatory for babies born since January 1, 2018, with some difficulties in maintaining this calendar during the COVVI-19 epidemic. In adults from 18 to 35 years, vaccination coverage is estimated at 90.4% (2021 barometer). Although high, it remains below the established objective (95%).
Source: BFM TV
