Measles: To prevent the spread of the outbreak, vaccination coverage must be improved

cp-rougeole-140318.pdf

Published on 14 March 2018

A resurgence of measles cases—a highly contagious disease—is currently affecting several European countries. In France, the rapid increase in the number of cases and the identification of outbreaks in several regions have raised concerns about a nationwide epidemic. In light of this, health authorities are reminding the public that vaccination is the only means of individual and collective protection against measles. Effective protection requires two doses of the vaccine. Anyone aged 12 months or older and born after 1980 should therefore urgently check their vaccination status and consult their primary care physician if in doubt.

Inadequate vaccination coverage is responsible for the outbreak

The number of measles cases has risen significantly since November 2017. Between November 6, 2017—the start of the outbreak in Nouvelle-Aquitaine—and March 12, 2018, 913 cases were reported across 59 departments. Among these, 201 hospitalizations and one death were recorded. To date, no department has reached the 95% vaccination coverage rate by age 2 for the two doses of the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, the rate required to eliminate the disease. With vaccination coverage for the second dose ranging from 62% to 88% depending on the department, there is concern that the epidemic could spread nationwide in the coming months.

Vaccination: an essential preventive measure against measles

Health authorities and healthcare professionals are fully mobilized to contain this outbreak and protect the population. They emphasize the need for very high vaccination coverage in the population. Such herd immunity would eliminate the disease and thus protect infants under one year of age, pregnant women, and immunocompromised individuals who cannot be vaccinated themselves. It is therefore imperative that everyone born in or after 1980 has received two doses of the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine.

Furthermore, anyone diagnosed with measles is asked to follow preventive measures (self-isolation, wearing a mask) and to notify their family, social, and professional circles so that everyone can verify their vaccination status.

Healthcare and early childhood professionals urged to remain vigilant

Given their contact with patients and young children, healthcare and early childhood professionals must be vaccinated. All healthcare professionals are urged to report any case of measles to their regional health agency (ARS) without waiting for laboratory confirmation of the case, so that the ARS can immediately identify contacts and provide prophylaxis if necessary.