The Importance of Measles Vaccination for Protection
Measles Cases on the Rise Due to Vaccine Hesitancy, Says Specialist Doctor
Child Health and Diseases Specialist Doctor E. Sibel Şan has expressed concern over the increasing number of measles cases in recent days. In a statement, Dr. Şan highlighted that one of the primary causes for the surge in cases is the growing vaccine hesitancy and anti-vaccine sentiment observed in recent years.
Measles is an acute infectious disease caused by the measles virus. It spreads through air droplets and is highly contagious. There has been a significant increase in measles cases worldwide, and this is considered a public health problem due to the potential for the disease to spread and its serious complications.
Dr. Şan emphasized that the rising number of measles cases can be attributed to the increasing vaccine hesitancy and anti-vaccine sentiment. Measles is highly contagious, and it can easily spread through inhaling droplets suspended in the air after coming into contact with an infected person. It can also spread through close contact. Approximately 90 percent of susceptible individuals develop the disease after exposure to measles. Dr. Şan stated that the contagious period usually starts five days before the appearance of the rash and continues for four days after the rash begins. The incubation period for the disease is 9-14 days.
The symptoms of measles include weakness, fever, cough, runny nose, and redness in the eyes. The disease typically lasts for 3 to 5 days. Dr. Şan mentioned that the presence of Koplik spots (white rashes inside the mouth) is crucial in diagnosing measles, although this symptom may not be present in every case.
Regarding the diagnosis and treatment of measles, Dr. Şan explained that as the fever subsides, rashes begin to appear. The rash is non-itchy and tends to merge together. It starts from the head and spreads to the face, neck, trunk, arms, and legs. Clinical improvement usually occurs within 48 hours after the rash appears. After three to four days, the rash turns brownish. If the fever persists approximately four days after the rash, secondary bacterial infection should be suspected. The diagnosis of measles can be made based on clinical symptoms, but it must be confirmed through serological tests. Laboratory findings may include leukopenia, lymphopenia, neutropenia, and thrombocytopenia. Measles-specific antibodies can be detected through serological tests.
There is currently no specific treatment for measles, and symptomatic treatment is provided. This includes administering antipyretics, ensuring plenty of fluid intake, and supplementing with vitamin A. Complications are common with measles, including secondary bacterial pneumonia, acute otitis media, and central nervous system involvement. Dr. Şan also noted that children who have had measles, especially those under the age of five, may develop brain inflammation due to measles years later.
To protect against measles, vaccination is the most essential measure. The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is a live vaccine administered in two doses to children aged 12 months and 4 years. The vaccine is given subcutaneously to the upper left arm. During epidemic periods, measles vaccination can be given to children older than 6 months. Even if early vaccination is done, the vaccine should be repeated in the 12th month. Protection starts within 1-2 weeks after vaccination. If there has been contact with someone infected with measles, administration of the measles or MMR vaccine within the first 72 hours is sufficient for protection. If vaccination cannot be administered after contact, protection can be provided by giving intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) within six days.
In conclusion, the increasing number of measles cases can be attributed to vaccine hesitancy and anti-vaccine sentiment. Measles is a highly contagious and serious disease, but it can be prevented through vaccination. It is crucial for individuals and parents to understand the importance of vaccines in protecting against measles and other preventable diseases.
