Increase in measles cases raises alert; understand how to prevent yourself

With the escalation of measles cases around the world, the Brazilian population must remain alert to prevent the disease. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), major outbreaks of the disease were recorded in 32 countries in 2022, a number that rose to 51 in 2023.

In Brazil, measles was already on the list of diseases eradicated from the national territory in 2016, when it received the certificate of elimination of the disease from the World Health Organization (WHO). Three years later, the country lost this status. According to the Ministry of Health, this happened because the virus was reintroduced into the national territory and new cases were confirmed.

Now, one of the Federal Government’s goals is to achieve this certification again and eliminate the circulation of this serious infectious disease that can be fatal, especially in children, in addition to causing complications such as pneumonia, encephalitis, seizures, and, in some cases, causing brain damage. permanent.

Understand below the risks, treatments and preventive measures offered by the Unified Health System to avoid the disease.

What is measles

It is an infectious disease considered serious, caused by the Morbillivirus virus. The most affected group is children under five years of age and adults over 20, malnourished or immunosuppressed people. It is considered serious due to the high hospitalization rates and because it can lead to death. Furthermore, according to the Ministry of Health, measles is so contagious that an infected person can transmit it to 90% of people nearby who are not immune.

What are the symptoms of measles

The main signs of measles are red spots on the body (rash) and high fever (above 38.5°), accompanied by one or more of the following characteristics: dry cough; eye irritation (conjunctivitis); runny or stuffy nose and intense discomfort.

According to the Ministry of Health, within three to five days it is common for red spots to appear on the face and behind the ears, which then spread to the rest of the body. After the spots appear, the persistence of fever is a warning sign and may indicate severity, especially in children under five years of age.

In case of suspicion, the recommendation is to look for the health unit closest to your residence.

What are the ways in which measles is transmitted?

Transmission happens when a person with the virus coughs, talks, sneezes or breathes near others. This is because small droplets of contaminated saliva enter the body through the mucous membranes, especially the nose and mouth.

How to prevent measles

The most effective way to prevent measles is through vaccination. This is because the person with the virus can transmit the disease before even knowing the diagnosis. The transmission period can occur up to six days before symptoms appear, and up to four days after. After contact with someone who is sick, if there is contamination, symptoms may appear within seven to 18 days.

The Ministry of Health informs that the vaccine indication criteria are periodically reviewed and take into account: clinical characteristics of the disease, age, illness from measles during life, occurrence of outbreaks, in addition to other epidemiological aspects. Measles immunization is available in different presentations. They all prevent measles and it is up to the healthcare professional to apply the appropriate vaccine for each person, according to age or epidemiological situation.

As it is a highly transmissible disease, there are other ways to prevent its spread, including isolating suspected and confirmed cases, mainly by temporarily distancing them from people more vulnerable to infection, such as young children and pregnant women.

Furthermore, to prevent the spread of the virus, it is important to regularly clean surfaces; cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing, use disposable tissues and clean your hands with soap and water or alcohol gel.

What measles vaccines are available in the SUS

The types of vaccines are the Double Virus, which protects against the measles and rubella viruses and can be used to block vaccines in an outbreak situation; Triple viral, which protects against measles, mumps and rubella viruses; and viral Tetra, which protects against measles, mumps, rubella and chickenpox viruses.

In Brazil, all three are available free of charge in the public health system and are applied in the regular calendar of the National Immunization Plan (PNI). To get the vaccine, simply look for a Basic Health Unit (UBS) with an identity document with a photo and a vaccination card.

How measles is diagnosed

The diagnosis of measles can be clinical, that is, through the analysis of signs and symptoms, and by laboratory examination, serology (blood sample), and molecular biology (samples of secretion from the oropharynx, nasopharynx, urine).

What is measles treatment like?

There is no specific therapy for measles. Medications are used to reduce the discomfort caused by the symptoms of the disease. The Ministry of Health recommends not taking any medication without medical advice and seeking the nearest health service.

Using antibiotics, as it is a viral disease, is contraindicated, for example. Unless medically indicated, there are other secondary infections. It is important to maintain hydration, nutritional support and monitor fever.

Why new cases emerged

According to the Ministry of Health, it is because there has been a drop in the vaccination rate against the disease. The drop was largely due to the difficulties imposed by the Covid-19 pandemic and the growth of the anti-vaccine movement.

According to the ministry, vaccination is the best defense against measles. Unvaccinated children contribute to the spread of the disease in the community, also affecting other more vulnerable individuals, such as babies who cannot yet be vaccinated and immunosuppressed people (with some type of immune deficiency).

The effectiveness of the immunizer is recognized, proven and can last a lifetime. It is worth remembering that, throughout history, immunizations have managed to eradicate or eliminate various diseases and save thousands of lives. It’s science working in favor of health.

*With information fromthe consultancy.

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