Messers affects more and more people in France. According to the latest public health count France, the disease has already made 828 patients, against only 483 throughout the year 2024. Since the beginning of the year, 70 departments have identified at least one case. Important households have been identified in the North, Bouches-du-Rhône, Aude, Haute-Savoie and Isère.
Two deaths are to be deplored, due to the disease
However, the agency specifies that the epidemic has entered the “decay phase” since May.
But among these 828 cases:
- Two immunocompromised people died, without their age;
- More than a third of patients required an emergency room or hospitalization, including twelve in intensive care;
- And about 10 % of patients suffered from serious complications, such as pneumonia or encephalitis, sometimes with heavy, even fatal consequences.
Between January 1 and August 31, 108 groupings of epidemiologically linked cases were reported to the Regional Health Agencies (ARS), totaling 502 cases. Among these groupings, 30 had at least 5 cases, and 3 are still active.
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A very contagious disease
“”Measles is one of the most contagious diseases in the world, much more than flu or covid “ Estimates Dr. Gérald Kierzek, emergency doctor and medical director of True Medical.
It is transmitted by air and causes fever, rashes and respiratory disorders. And when the disease is complicated, it can cause other more serious pathologies, even death. “The virus is particularly dangerous in infants, pregnant women and immunocompromised people “ Add the doctor.
A vaccination still too low
The situation worries the health authorities, because vaccination coverage remains too low to stop the spread.
Public health data France show that among the cases whose vaccination status is known, 65% were not vaccinated or were incompletely. This too high proportion compromises collective immunity, which requires vaccination coverage of at least 95 %.
In adults, vaccination catching up remains essential. “”Anyone born after 1980 must have received two doses“Recalls Dr. Kierzek.”It is better to redo a dose rather than taking an unnecessary risk “.
He finally underlines that measles is a real alarm signal. “”It proves that vaccination relaxation has concrete, sometimes dramatic consequences “. The current situation also proves that a virus that was almost eradicated can come back, if vigilance is decreasing.