El sarampión es una enfermedad viral altamente contagiosa que se transmite a través de las gotículas que expulsa una persona infectada al hablar, toser o estornudar.
de acuerdo con la Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS), se trata de uno de los virus con mayor capacidad de transmisión entre humanos, lo que explica su rápida propagación cuando las coberturas de vacunación disminuyen.
Según explicó Samuel Ponce de León Rosales, coordinador del Programa Universitario de Investigación sobre Riesgos Epidemiológicos y Emergentes de la UNAM, la infección presenta un periodo de incubación de entre 10 y 14 días y comienza con síntomas generales como fiebre alta, tos, goteo nasal, enrojecimiento ocular y dolor de cabeza. Posteriormente, aparece una erupción cutánea que se extiende por todo el cuerpo.
Foto: Especial
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Measles Resurgence in Europe and Beyond
Table of Contents
Following declines during the COVID-19 pandemic,measles cases are rising globally,with several European countries experiencing outbreaks and a re-establishment of endemic transmission. This increase poses a significant public health threat due to measles’ high contagiousness and potential for severe complications.
What is Endemic Measles Transmission?
Endemic measles transmission means the virus is circulating continuously within a country or region, leading to ongoing cases throughout the year. This differs from outbreaks, which are temporary increases in cases. The World Health Organization (WHO) has identified several countries where measles transmission has become endemic again.
According to the WHO, Armenia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Spain, the United Kingdom, and Uzbekistan have all re-established endemic measles transmission.WHO Regional Office for Europe report details the concerning trend, noting a 30-fold increase in cases in the European region in 2023 compared to 2022.
factors Contributing to the resurgence
Several factors contribute to the resurgence of measles, primarily declining vaccination rates. The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted routine immunization services in many countries, leading to a backlog of unvaccinated children. Misinformation about vaccine safety also plays a role, contributing to vaccine hesitancy.
The WHO and UNICEF estimate that 21.3 million children worldwide missed their first dose of measles vaccine in 2023, marking the highest number since 2009. UNICEF press release highlights the critical need to catch up on missed vaccinations.
Health Risks Associated with Measles
Measles is a highly contagious viral disease that can cause serious health complications, including pneumonia, encephalitis (brain swelling), and even death. It’s notably perilous for young children and individuals with weakened immune systems.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that approximately 1 in 5 people who contract measles will be hospitalized. CDC Measles Information for Healthcare Professionals provides detailed information on the disease and its complications. In severe cases, measles can lead to subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE), a rare but fatal brain disorder that develops years after the initial infection.
Global Efforts to Combat Measles
International organizations and national governments are working to increase measles vaccination coverage and prevent outbreaks. These efforts include vaccination campaigns, strengthening routine immunization programs, and addressing vaccine hesitancy through public health education.
The WHO and partners launched the “Immunization Agenda 2030”, a global strategy to achieve worldwide health coverage with vaccines, including measles. The european Centre for disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) is also actively monitoring the situation and providing guidance to member states.ECDC Measles Overview provides up-to-date information on the measles situation in Europe.
