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2024-03-16 19:28:00
On Thursday, the head of the laboratory at KU Leuven Elke Wollants alerted via X of the presence of measles in Brussels wastewater. A rather alarmist message which made a lot of people react on the web. “This is a highly contagious virus that can cause serious complications. VACCINATION is the best protection against this disease!!!”, warned the virologist.
Something to seriously worry unvaccinated Brussels residents? What is there to fear about a measles epidemic in Brussels? Certainly not. Already because a very large majority of the Brussels population is vaccinated: 95% of Brussels residents have received their first dose (which protects 80-85% against measles), 75% have received their booster (which protects 100%) . Then, because Vivalis constantly monitors the evolution of this notifiable disease. Note, however, that undocumented immigrants, transmigrants passing through Brussels, escape the statistics.
According to field feedback, seven confirmed cases of measles and one unconfirmed case were reported by doctors, hospitals, laboratories, etc. Brussels residents in Vivalis. Three of them are related: a brother, a sister and a classmate, the other three are not. Cases of measles are recurrent in Brussels (see graph below) and Vivalis has a precise and experienced protocol intended to stem any epidemic.
Measles cases in Brussels in 2023. ©VIVALIS
For Vivalis therefore, there is no reason to worry. “We are not worried because the Brussels population is 95% vaccinated,” reassures the general director of Vivalis Nathalie Noël. “Our mission is to remain on constant alert for all infectious diseases, including measles.” Vivalis hygiene inspector Adrae Taamae agrees: “Having seven or eight cases is not exceptional. This does not mean that we could not be heading towards a phenomenon of spread of the disease but we are monitoring the situation very closely. It is impossible to say, at this stage, whether Brussels will be confronted with an epidemic. “We can’t know,” says the health inspector.
Currently, Vivalis is analyzing the genotype of the virus detected in Brussels wastewater to determine whether it corresponds to the virus contracted by the six Brussels residents. Tracing and then isolation procedures are put in place if necessary. “Measles is an extremely contagious virus,” explains Doctor Adrae Taamae. “Its reproduction rate varies between 12 and 18. Which means that, in a poorly ventilated space, a single person can contaminate between 12 and 18 others, unvaccinated, via airborne transmission: coughing, sneezing, etc. Remember that people vaccinated with a double dose have absolutely no risk of contracting the virus.”
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