In the Ulyanovsk region, cases of measles were detected, for the first time since 2019. Laboratory confirmed two cases among children. In this regard, a complex of sanitary and anti-epidemic measures has been organized in the region, which will affect those who have not previously received the vaccine and those who do not have an appropriate entry in their medical documents.
Measles is an acute infectious viral disease with a high level of contagiousness. The causative agent is the measles virus. The main symptoms are high fever, inflammation of the mucous membranes of the oral cavity and upper respiratory tract, conjunctivitis and a rash on the skin. As well as general intoxication and fever. Upon contact with a source of infection, the disease affects unvaccinated individuals with a 100% probability. The route of infection is airborne.
Measles is more severe in adults than in children. With the disease, various complications can develop, the most severe of which is measles meningoencephalitis. It occurs in about 1 in 1,000 patients. Among the most common exacerbations are pneumonia, stenosis of the larynx, acute otitis or sinusitis.
Gulshat AVVYASOVA – INFECTIONIST OF THE CENTRAL HEALTH PART NAMED AFTER N.I. V.A. EGOROV:
“There are no specific drugs against measles; general antiviral drugs are used. All treatment is aimed at facilitating, helping the body during the fight against this viral disease.”
Wearing masks, airing and cleaning the premises are preventive measures, as the virus is unstable to the effects of detergents and antiseptics. The most effective specific measure is measles vaccination, which is included in the national immunization calendar.
Children receive the vaccine at one year and at age six. Typically, this measles vaccination schedule is sufficient to build immunity that lasts for 20 years. Adults can be vaccinated twice, two months apart. If there was close contact with a patient who is at an early stage of measles infection, then the presence of post-vaccination immunity reduces the likelihood of moderate and severe disease in a vaccinated person by about 80%, and in a child with good immunity – by almost 100%.
Immunization of the population against measles in Russia will be carried out until the end of 2023. Since the beginning of the year, about a hundred people have already been vaccinated in the region. To receive the vaccine, you must apply for a referral either to the registry or to a general practitioner. The procedure is free, easily tolerated and does not cause temperature reactions.