The increase in measles cases in Istanbul threatens both children and adults. Experts underline the precautions to be taken by sharing that they are uneasy about the measles disease, which has seen a serious increase. Being vaccinated against measles and intervening early can prevent serious conditions that may occur. prof. Dr. Mehmet Ceyhan, in his statements, explained the measures to be taken about measles.
MEASURES VACCINE PROTECTS LIFETIME
Making a statement on Habertürk live broadcast, Prof. Dr. Mehmet Ceyhan, “Measles can be seen in all age groups. However, most of the cases are under the age of 5, usually because people become immune by having measles during childhood or by vaccination. Because the measles vaccine is extremely effective. If you get two doses, it protects you for life.”
NON-VACCINATION CAUSED AN INCREASE IN MEASURE CASES
“It is extremely bad that measles cases are on the rise. It is taken seriously enough to make us sleepy, especially by those of us who know what it is causing. The increase in cases does not only mean an increase in measles cases. It means that all vaccinations are interrupted. There are two reasons for the decrease in childhood vaccinations. One of this is the disruption of vaccination all over the world due to not leaving the house during the epidemic and the hospitals giving weight to the pandemic more. The second is that people started to neglect not only the pandemic vaccine but also the childhood vaccines due to the claims of the anti-vaccine people.
95 PERCENT OF SOCIETY SHOULD BE VACCINE
Sharing that the increase in measles cases can be prevented by vaccination, Prof. Dr. Mehmet Ceyhan, “The important issue is that those who are vaccinated are also at risk. In order to fully prevent measles and chickenpox, which are among the most transmitted diseases, you need to vaccinate at least 95 percent of the society.” said.
“SERIOUS MEASURES SHOULD BE TAKEN ASAP”
“If precautions are not taken, less cases of diphtheria, tetanus cases and polio and tuberculosis cases will follow. Serious measures must be taken as soon as possible.”
WHAT ARE MEASURE SYMPTOMS?
- 1-3. between days: Mild or high fever, dry cough, runny nose, redness of the eyes. Small white dots (Koplik spots) that appear on the gums and cheeks near the upper molars are diagnostic for measles.
- 4-8. between days: High fever, characteristic rash. The rash spreads from behind the ear to the face, then to the trunk and then to the arms and legs. After a while, it may fade in the same order and leave a temporary color change in its place.
- Inflammation of the eye conjunctiva (conjunctivitis) may occur. The eyes become sensitive to light.
CAN MEAS CAUSE OTHER DISEASES?
Measles infection can cause re-activation of the tuberculosis infection, pneumonia, inflammation of the lymph nodes in the neck, otitis media and inflammation of the brain.
WHAT TO DO TO PROTECT MEASURES?
A single dose of attenuated live virus vaccine is administered to 15-month-old children. In children with nutritional or immune system disorders, another booster dose is given after 6 months. All children over 9 months of age can be vaccinated during epidemic periods. In this case, another booster dose is given after 15 months are completed.