15 new patients in a week. Sanepid warns about a measles outbreak in Poland

The number of measles patients has increased again in Podkarpacie. The Sanitary and Epidemiological Station announced in Tuesday's announcement that 26 cases related to one epidemic outbreak had been confirmed. This is three more people than the day before and 15 new cases in a week.

At the end of November, the Podkarpackie State Provincial Sanitary Inspector informed about three people diagnosed with the disease. In the next seven days, there was a dynamic increase in the number of confirmed cases. On December 2, the Sanitary and Epidemiological Station reported that “26 cases of measles associated with one epidemic outbreak have been recorded.”

The only thing that has not changed is that the disease affects residents of three counties: Rzeszów, Ropczyce-Sędziszów and Tarnobrzeg.

“One reported suspicion of measles remains under laboratory investigation,” it was written in Tuesday's announcement.

Measles is a viral infectious disease and the only source of infection is a sick person. The virus is transmitted mainly through droplets and direct contact with nasopharyngeal secretions. The incubation period of the disease is usually 10 to 12 days.

The symptoms of measles are similar to those of a bad cold and flu. These include high fever, severe cough and runny nose. Later, a characteristic rash appears (spots and lumps on the skin), as well as redness of the eyes (conjunctivitis) and hypersensitivity to light (photophobia).

Sanitary services remind that the measles vaccine is the best protection – it not only prevents the disease, but also protects against serious complications, especially neurological ones. Two doses of the vaccine are extremely effective – they protect against the disease by at least 95%. vaccinated children.

In Poland, vaccination against measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) is mandatory and free. They are given to children in two doses: the first between 13 and 14 months of age, the second at 6 years of age. Only people who have had measles or have received both doses of the vaccine are fully protected.

Family doctors and nurses provide more information about vaccinations.

Adults who do not know whether they have been vaccinated or have had measles and have had contact with an infected person should get vaccinated – it can be done at any time.

Due to the fact that measles, influenza, RSV and COVID-19 viruses are circulating at the same time, sanitary services advise to take general precautions – wearing protective masks, frequent hand washing and hygiene, and if possible, avoiding large groups of people. (PAP)

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