Measles outbreak and the threat of hepatitis A: epidemiologists named the main causes and ways of protection
15 May 17:36
The number of measles cases and cases of hepatitis A are on the rise in Ukraine. Experts note that both infections are extremely contagious and the main reason for their spread is the low level of vaccination coverage. Epidemiologist Nataliya Vinohrad and infectious disease specialist Dmytro Dudar told about it in comments "Komersant Ukrainian".
The main reason is violation of the national vaccination calendar
According to Natalia Vinograd, the situation with measles in Ukraine is natural:
“Insufficient vaccination coverage, especially among children aged 6-12 years, is the main reason for the increase in morbidity. There is enough vaccine, there are opportunities, but the national calendar is not fulfilled”.
The situation has been complicated by the war and the influence of anti-vaccination sentiments. However, according to the epidemiologist, measles is spreading not only in Ukraine – now there is a planetary aggravation:
“For the third year in a row, Europe has seen an increase in measles incidence. This is the result of under-immunization in all countries”.
Vaccination is the only reliable method of protection.
“A minimum of 95% of people must be immunized in every age group. Otherwise – the virus will spread,” notes Vinograd.
Features of measles: ultra-high contagiousness
Measles is one of the most contagious (infectious) diseases.
“One sick person can infect up to 18 people. And the danger is that the virus is transmitted even before symptoms appear. A person can be contagious two days before the first signs of the disease,” explains Natalia Vinograd.
The virus remains in the air for up to two hours after the sick person has left the room. Therefore, avoiding contact is almost impossible.
“The reality is this: if you are not vaccinated, the risk of infection is almost 100%,” adds the expert.
What about hepatitis A?
In parallel with measles in some regions are recorded cases of hepatitis A – an infection with a fecal-oral mechanism of transmission. The main routes of infection – water, food, contact in the household.
“This is an intestinal infection, and the source is most often water or food. Especially dangerous in organized collectives. The big problem is that the virus begins to be released before the appearance of symptoms, a person does not know that he is contagious”, – comments Natalia Vinograd.
Vaccine against hepatitis A is available in pharmacies, although it is not included in the national vaccination calendar. Epidemiologists recommend in the current conditions to take care of protection yourself:
“It is wise to buy the vaccine, get vaccinated and protect yourself and your family,” Vinograd adds.
How do medics react and what about the army?
Infectious disease specialist Dmitry Dudar notes that the Public Health Center of the Ministry of Health keeps the situation under control, there are clear algorithms for responding to outbreaks. Vaccination is also part of these measures.
“In outbreaks, the appropriate protocols are in place, including vaccination. I think everything is being done properly,” he noted.
As for the army, according to Natalia Vinograd, if military personnel were immunized as children, no additional measures are required. But in a combat zone, the issue of hygiene becomes critical, especially in the case of hepatitis A.
“Clean water, quality food and hand hygiene are key factors in hepatitis A prevention,” Dmytro Dudar adds.
Local quarantines: a timely solution
Now some schools are under quarantine due to measles outbreaks. According to epidemiologists, this is an effective anti-epidemic measure:
“This is a very correct decision. It is important to localize outbreaks and find the source of infection. Now epidemiological studies are ongoing, which will help to understand the scale of the problem”, – explains Natalia Vinograd.
So, the only reliable way to protect yourself from measles and hepatitis A is vaccination. Although the infections have different routes of transmission, one thing they have in common is their ability to spread rapidly and threaten entire communities
