Measles erupted authorities recommend vaccination

Measles erupted: Health authorities recommend vaccination to young adults

01/06/2011

For the first time in 25 years, the measles have broken out in Lübeck. According to the health authorities, four people have already become infected with measles viruses. The health department of the city of Lübeck appeals to the population to check their vaccine protection.

Especially people under 40 years of age (birthday after 1970) advises the health department at the family doctor to check the vaccine protection and if necessary to refresh. Missing vaccinations should be carried out "immediately at the home or pediatrician", so the recommendation of the health department.

Is further spread to be feared? "At the moment I hope that we have it under control", confirms the head of the Lübecker health office, Dr. med. Michael Hamschmidt, opposite the "doctors newspaper". The only concern is that an infected person can no longer understand all the contacts. For people who came in contact with patients, could have also infected under certain circumstances.

As school began again on Monday in Schleswig-Holstein, there is a risk of further spread of the disease. The measles vaccination rate in the newly enrolled children is 85 percent after two vaccinations. A one-time vaccination took nearly 95 percent. A one-time vaccination is usually given to those born between 1970 and 1990. According to the Lübeck health authority, there is only a 60% protection against measles in the group of persons. The inhabitants of the city of Lübeck have now been informed by means of media reports.

In a circular, the Lübeck health authorities have informed the pediatricians and family physicians, internists and ear, nose and throat doctors. In it, the health authority describes symptoms and refers to the onset of measles with a rather unspecific catarrhal stage. The symptoms are fever, inflammation of the conjunctiva, runny nose, cough and an acute rash on the palate. "This symptom may therefore be like an acute respiratory tract infection and is initially clinically difficult to delineate from commonplace respiratory infections or influenza, which also frequently occur," says the circular to the doctors. The health authorities therefore advise physicians to include measles as a possible disease for present symptoms, especially in young adults, and to carry out appropriate diagnostics.

Vaccination recommended
Especially adults who have not previously had measles, a vaccination by the Robert Koch Institute is recommended. In particular, citizens should vaccinate, who come from professional paths much in contact with people in intensive contact. Pregnant women, however, should not get vaccinated. If one has already come into contact with infected persons, a subsequent vaccination can still prevent the onset of measles within three days.

Measles are very contagious. The infection is caused by a droplet infection which is transmitted by coughing, speaking, kissing or sneezing. The incubation period is two weeks. This is followed by a high fever, runny nose and conjunctivitis. After another five days, the well-known rash comes along. During the course of the disease, absolute bed rest is prescribed. Antiviral drugs are not available. Only to alleviate the symptoms, for example, soothing medicines are administered. (Sb)

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The infectious disease measles spreads
Measles also affects adults

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