11 cases of measles detected in this town in Occitanie, for the ARS they have one thing in common

See my news
Follow Occitanie News

The Regional Health Agency in Occitanie (ARS) sound the alarm. Since September 17, 2024, eleven cases of measles, concerning, in detail, ten children aged 8 months to 10 years and one adult, were reported to the regional public health establishment in a medium-sized town in Occitanie.

It’s in Millau, in theAveyron. And there is one thing in common between most of these cases. The majority was not vaccinated or did not have a complete vaccination schedule…

To avoid the spread of this very contagious disease, the ARS therefore reminds that it is important that everyone checks their vaccination status and applies barrier gestures particularly in the presence of vulnerable people who cannot benefit from vaccination protection (infants, pregnant women, immunocompromised people).

A very contagious disease that can be serious

Measles is a disease that can be serious, particularly for pregnant women, infants under 6 months of age and immunocompromised people. Often wrongly considered benign, measles can cause serious complications (pneumonia, encephalitis, etc.) and hospitalizations.

The Regional Health Agency also reminds that measles is not just a childhood illness, it also concerns adolescents and adults. This is also the case in Millau. It is characterized by a high feverassociated with a cough, nasopharyngitis or conjunctivitis, then by a rash.

A sick person can infect up to 20 people and a person is contagious five days before the start of the rash and five days after. It is transmitted very easily from one person to another through the air, when coughing, sneezing, blowing one’s nose, or by contact with contaminated objects (toys, tissues, etc.).

Vaccination to protect yourself

To protect ourselves and the most vulnerable people, we must adopt good reflexes. If you think you have measles or have been in contact with an infected person, contact your doctor promptly and warn him before you travel. He will thus be able to adapt his consultation method to limit the risk of contagion.

Vaccination (two doses) stay the most effective way to be well protected, also ensures the ARS. This vaccination is also compulsory for children born from 1^is January 2018. It is also recommended for adults born after 1980. Consult your health record to check that you are well protected.

The ARS recommendations do not only concern households. Health professionals, early childhood professionals and teachers are also strongly encouraged to check their vaccination status.

Which healthcare professionals can vaccinate?

Finally, the measles vaccine can be prescribed and administered to anyone. by a doctor or a midwife (except for immunocompromised people).

It can be prescribed and administered to people over 11 years old by a pharmacist or a nurse (except for immunocompromised people) and people under 11 years old by a nurse on medical prescription.

Concerning children under 6 years old or pregnant women, you can contact the PMI teams, for any information on the disease and vaccination, on 05 65 60 95 55.

Follow all the news from your favorite cities and media by subscribing to Mon Actu.