What is Measles? Symptoms and Dangers
Measles is a highly contagious viral infection that can cause serious health problems, especially in unvaccinated individuals. As an airborne virus, the measles virus is transmitted to healthy individuals through droplets spread into the environment by coughing or sneezing of infected individuals. Therefore, the most effective way to protect against measles is vaccination.
Measles Symptoms
It is known that people infected with the measles virus usually first show symptoms such as fever, fatigue, cough and runny nose. These symptoms appear in the initial stage of the disease. Then, a noticeable rash appears on the body. The rash usually starts from the back of the head and spreads throughout the body. Some other symptoms of measles are:
- Redness of the eyes and sensitivity to light
- rising fever
- Loss of appetite
- Skin rashes
Serious Complications of Measles
Measles is a dangerous disease not only with its symptoms but also with the serious complications it brings. Measles can infect 90% of infected individuals who are not vaccinated. This can cause major health problems, especially in children. Some serious complications caused by measles are:
- Otitis media
- Diarrhea and related fluid loss
- Pneumonia
- Myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle)
- Blindness
- Inflammation of the brain (encephalitis)
Measles Cases on the Rise Around the World
According to data from the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF, the number of measles cases in Europe and Central Asia has doubled by 2024. A similar increase is also occurring in Türkiye, with 2021 cases recorded in 51, rising to 2023 in 4,959. This is due to low vaccination rates and urgent measures must be taken.
Information About Measles Vaccine
Measles is a disease that can be prevented by vaccination. The Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR) vaccine administered by the Ministry of Health in Türkiye is administered to children in two doses at 12 and 48 months. This vaccine is administered free of charge at family physicians. The vaccination schedule is of great importance, especially considering that the disease can be severe in children under the age of 1.
Vaccine Hesitancy and Measles Cases
Vaccine hesitancy is one of the most important factors in the increase in measles cases. Speculation about childhood vaccines during the Covid-19 pandemic has negatively affected families' vaccination decisions. It is known that measles vaccination provides 97% protection in individuals who follow the vaccination schedule. Therefore, it is extremely important for families to vaccinate their children for both their own health and the health of the community.
Pregnancy and Measles
The measles virus also poses serious risks to pregnant women. Measles contracted during pregnancy can lead to miscarriage or premature birth. Additionally, unvaccinated individuals are at risk from global outbreaks. Therefore, vaccinating pregnant women is critical for their own health and that of their babies.
Importance of Measles Vaccine
Measles is one of the most common vaccine-preventable diseases that causes death. Vaccines cause the disease to spread in children as well as in unvaccinated or inadequately vaccinated adults. Full compliance with the vaccination schedule is the most effective way to protect against the measles virus and its dangers. In addition, it is very important for parents to obtain accurate information about vaccines and not to rely on speculation that does not reflect the truth.
Conclusion
Measles is a disease that can cause serious health problems, and it is preventable with vaccination. Widespread vaccination is a critical step in protecting public health. It is of great importance in the fight against this virus that families are aware of the need to vaccinate their children and take the necessary precautions.
