An increase in measles cases across Europe in 2023 is worrying medical organizations. A situation which would be due to the drop in vaccination coverage during the years affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. But should we really be worried in France? A specialist answers us.
The alarm bells had already been sounded in 2022 by discovering an increase of nearly 79% in cases in France, unfortunately the sad observation remains the same for 2023. In fact, the World Health Organization (WHO) revealed the figures for measles contamination in Europe for the year 2023 and the increase is exponential. Indeed, more than 30,000 cases were reported between January and October 2023 involving 40 countries in the region (out of 53). Alarming figures as the organization indicates in a press release: “Compared to the 941 cases notified during the year 2022, this represents a multiplication by more than 30“.
If certain European countries are more affected than others, the situation in France remains less worrying with 106 cases reported over the same period. Despite everything, this figure is clearly increasing since compared to the same period in 2022 the circulation of the measles virus was “almost non-existent» as indicated by Santé Publique France, 15 cases in 2022. Can we expect an increase in cases in the months to come? A specialist working at INSERM in respiratory infections responds.
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A disease that could further gain ground
Branka Horvat explains that he could “there may be an increase in the coming weeks and months” before continuing : “It’s difficult to predict. But given that there is an increase in cases in other European countries, it would not be surprising if the increase arrived in France.» Indeed, Kazakhstan and Russia are particularly affected by the epidemic, 12,000 cases and 6,000 cases respectively. But what is measles and why is it coming back to the forefront?
A disease mainly affecting children, but can also affect adults, it manifests itself by a rash, conjunctivitis, cough, fever, severe fatigue and rhinitis. The measles virus is very contagious, as Branka Horvat explains: “One person can infect 15 to 20 others if they are in the same room“, it is therefore necessary to be very careful, especially knowing that fatal complications can occur such as pneumonia. This is why the specialist strongly recommends that parents “vaccinate their children», a practice which has declined sharply during the Covid-19 pandemic and which requires a vaccination rate of more than 95% to hope to completely stem the disease.
You should know that in France vaccination against measles is compulsory for babies born after 2018 with a first dose at 12 months and a second around 16 to 18 months: “it is a very effective vaccine, which has no negative consequences and which is among the best tolerated“. However, Santé Publique France reveals that the required percentage of 95% is not reached “particularly among adolescents and young adults or within specific populations far from the health system.» The WHO therefore recommends urgently launching a vaccination campaign to help stop the spread.
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