The number of measles cases in Portugal has been rising and so it is important to remember what it is, what symptoms it causes, and how it can be prevented and treated.
In 1993 we had the last measles epidemic in Portugal. Almost 20 years later, Portugal received a certificate of elimination of the disease, largely thanks to the vaccine, currently integrated into the National Vaccination Plan.
Measles is one of the most contagious viral infections, transmitted person-to-person, by air, through droplets or aerosols spread by coughing or sneezing, for example.
Around 128,000 deaths associated with measles
Usually, the disease is benign but, in some cases, it can be serious or even fatal. Despite having a safe and effective vaccine, in 2021 we had around 128,000 deaths associated with measles worldwide, the majority in unvaccinated children under 5 years of age.
At the Open Consultation video This week I will also explain what the typical symptoms of measles are, when the contagion period occurs and who should get the vaccine, which is free.
The importance of the vaccine
It is important to remember that having the vaccine does not prevent you from having measles, but the risk of contagion and clinical complications is much lower. In addition to protecting you, it also protects the community where you live.
It is estimated that between 2000 and 2021 around 56 million deaths were prevented with this vaccine. It is recommended for people born after 1970, because before then the probability of having already had contact with measles is quite high, guaranteeing some immunity.
Unvaccinated people who have never had measles have a high chance of becoming infected if they are exposed to the virus.
If you have questions about your vaccination status or if you have been in contact with a confirmed case of measles, talk to your doctor to find out what to do.
