Measles Cases On Rise In Europe: WHO; Know Signs And Preventive Measures

Measles Cases On Rise In Europe: WHO (Image Credits: iStock)

Europe and Central Asia are seeing an upsurge in measles cases again this year. The World Health Organization warns that the number of cases may surpass last year's cases. The WHO is urging countries to boost their vaccination campaigns. Until now, over 56,000 measles cases and four deaths have been reported in the first three months of the year across 45 countries in the WHO European region. That is just 5,000 cases fewer than for the whole of 2023 when 61,070 cases and 13 deaths were reported in 41 countries.

"Even one case of measles should be an urgent call to action," Dr Hans Kluge, WHO's Regional Director for Europe said in a statement. "No one should suffer the consequences of this devastating but easily preventable disease," he added. Nearly half of reported measles cases in 2023 were in children under the age of five, and among those who contracted the virus, more than three-quarters had not received any doses of the measles vaccine.

Kluge urged countries to vaccinate the vulnerable to prevent the virus from taking hold in any community.

What Is Measles?

Measles, also known as rubeola, is a highly contagious viral infection that primarily affects children but can occur at any age. The virus is spread through respiratory droplets from coughs and sneezes of an infected person and can survive in the air and on surfaces for up to two hours.

Signs And Symptoms Of Measles

Measles typically begins with a high fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes. After a few days, a characteristic rash appears, starting on the face and spreading down the body. The rash consists of small red spots that may blend and often become itchy. Other common symptoms include:

1. Koplik's spots: These are small white spots with bluish-white centres that appear inside the mouth on the inner lining of the cheeks. They are a characteristic early sign of measles but may be difficult to notice.

2. Malaise: Feeling generally unwell, tired, and achy is common with measles.

3. Loss of appetite: Many people with measles experience a loss of appetite, leading to decreased food intake.

4. Sore throat: The throat may become sore and inflamed, making swallowing uncomfortable.

5. Muscle pain: Muscle aches and pains, especially in the back and limbs, are common during measles infection.

6. Complications: In severe cases, measles can lead to complications such as pneumonia, encephalitis (brain inflammation), and in rare instances, death, particularly in young children and individuals with weakened immune systems.

Preventive Measures:

Vaccination: The most effective way to prevent measles is through vaccination. The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is safe and highly effective at preventing measles. It is usually given in two doses, with the first dose administered at 12-15 months of age and the second dose at 4-6 years of age. Adults who have not been vaccinated or are unsure of their vaccination status should also receive the MMR vaccine.

Hand Hygiene: Practicing good hand hygiene, such as washing hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, can help reduce the risk of acquiring and spreading measles. Alcohol-based hand sanitisers can also be used if soap and water are not readily available.

Covering Coughs and Sneezes: Encouraging individuals to cover their mouth and nose with a tissue or their elbow when coughing or sneezing can help prevent the spread of respiratory droplets containing the measles virus.

Avoiding Close Contact: Limiting close contact with individuals who are sick or have symptoms of measles can reduce the risk of exposure to the virus.