With 25,000 cases declared and 120 deaths recorded since September 2023, measles is raging in Morocco and the situation is starting to get out of hand. The recent comments of Mohamed El Youbi, director of epidemiology and disease control at the Ministry of Health and Social Protection, fuel concerns and recall the critical situation Morocco is going through. According to Ahmed El Habache, dermatologist, the vaccine is the only saving grace.
Faced with the worrying wave of measles plaguing the country, Moroccans are now in a race against time, or actually, against Bouhamroun. Since last September, measles has been raging in Morocco, especially in the north of the country where several cases have been recorded. This resurgence of a disease, formerly buried, or at least as it seemed before this wave, recalls its acuteness and arouses great concern. The disease, whose rapid spread primarily affects children, has so far affected 25,000 people and caused the death of 120.
Hespress FR contacted Ahmed El Habache, a dermatologist who confirmed to us the severity of the epidemic: measles is an extremely contagious viral disease and one of the most widespread in the world, mainly affecting infants and young children. However, it can also affect unvaccinated adults.
This disease is caused by a virus specific to humans and is not transmitted by animals. The spread occurs mainly through the respiratory tract, through contact with infected people, through coughing or through the simple breathing of individuals carrying the virus. Transmission is therefore particularly rapid in environments where hygiene measures are insufficient.
“The measles cycle usually begins with an incubation period of 2 to 3 days, during which no symptoms are visible. Once the incubation period is over, the first signs of the disease appear: a high fever, often above 40°C, accompanied by a runny nose, cough and inflammation of the eyes.”, explains the specialist.
These symptoms can be quite generalized and resemble those of other viral illnesses. However, measles can be differentiated from other conditions by the characteristic appearance of a rash. The latter usually starts on the face, around the ears, then quickly spreads throughout the body, down to the legs. The evolution of this rash, associated with other symptoms, helps confirm the diagnosis of the disease.
As for the treatment of measles, it mainly focuses on symptom management, says the expert before emphasizing that “Although there is no specific treatment to eliminate the virus, medications such as paracetamol can be used to reduce fever. If secondary infections occur, such as ear infections or pneumonia, antibiotics may be given. Additionally, vitamin A is often prescribed to children to strengthen their immune systems and reduce the risk of complications.”.
Measles-related complications can be serious, especially in children under 5 years old and unvaccinated adults. “ The most common are middle ear infections (ear infections), pneumonia, and neurological complications such as encephalitis, which can lead to permanent brain damage. These complications significantly increase mortality risks and make measles particularly dangerous for vulnerable populations.“, our interlocutor tells us.
-According to the dermatologist, “ the best way to prevent measles is vaccination“. The measles vaccine, administered between 12 and 15 months of age, is an effective means of preventing this disease, with protection reaching up to 95% in vaccinated individuals. A booster is sometimes recommended to strengthen this protection, especially in regions where the incidence of the disease remains high. However, despite its effectiveness, some people continue to resist vaccination due to misinformation circulating about vaccine safety.
In detail, he points out certain judged “senseless”: Unfounded rumors, such as the association of vaccines with other diseases like COVID-19, have created increasing hesitancy among certain population groups. However, there is evidence that vaccines are safe and their role in reducing the spread of infectious diseases is essential.
“It is crucial that awareness campaigns on measles vaccination are strengthened. Every individual, especially parents, must be informed of the risks associated with the disease and the importance of vaccination not only for their own health, but also for that of the community as a whole. Collective vaccination creates a protective barrier around vulnerable people who cannot be vaccinated for medical reasons, and thus limits the spread of the virus.”, he insists.
Furthermore, prevention is not limited to vaccination. Rigorous hygiene measures, such as regular hand washing and disinfection of common surfaces, are essential to limit the risk of transmission. Public spaces should be cleaned regularly, and it is important to avoid contact with infected people, especially during the incubation period.
To calm the fears of citizens, Ahmed El Habache assures that: “Measles remains a significant threat to public health, but it can be effectively controlled and prevented through vaccination.”
It is imperativehe concludes, that “health authorities continue to promote vaccination and health education to combat this disease. By exercising collective vigilance and adopting appropriate prevention practices, we can reduce the spread of measles and protect future generations from its complications”.
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