2023-07-06 08:00:32
Between 2008 and 2021, more than 30,000 cases of measles were reported in France, including 26 fatal cases. But the years 2021 and 2022 were marked by a very low number of cases, revealing a virtual absence of circulation of the virus in France. Thanks to the compulsory vaccination of infants, is measles an endangered disease in France? A few answers to this question.
Measles, a highly contagious and potentially fatal viral infection
Measles is a highly contagious viral infection, responsible for significant infant mortality worldwide. Indeed, beyond the rash, measles exposes young children to risk of serious respiratory and neurological complications. Some of these complications can be life-threatening and lead to the death of the child. In France, there is effective prevention of measles, thanks to vaccination with the MMR vaccine (Measles Mumps Rubella). This vaccination has been compulsory for all infants since January 1, 2018, with a two-dose vaccination schedule.
In France, what is the level of circulation of measles in recent years? Public Health France is in charge of listing measles cases and the evolution of epidemiological data on a national scale. In the event of an epidemic outbreak, the agency publishes a weekly situation bulletin. Between January 1, 2008 and December 31, 2021, more than 30,000 cases of measles, including 26 fatalities, were recorded in France. In 2011 alone, nearly 15,000 cases were reported in the territory. But thanks to vaccination, the trend has improved over the years.
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Only about fifteen cases of measles in 2021 and 2022
Following the record year of 2011, a clear decrease was observed in 2012. But epidemic foci were then observed in several regions of France, such as in Alsace in 2015 or in the New Aquitaine, Grand-Est and Occitanie regions in 2017. Before the arrival of the Covid-19 pandemic, the virus continued to circulate in France, in particular because of a reservoir of susceptible subjects among unvaccinated young adults. As with many infectious pathologies, the Covid-19 epidemic, confinements and barrier gestures have significantly slowed the circulation of the virus and the number of measles cases observed in France.
In 2021, only 16 cases of measles were declared in France, including 5 imported cases. The same trend was observed in 2022, with only 15 cases including 5 imported. Among these cases:
2 patients presented with pneumonia; 5 patients were hospitalized.
No deaths were reported.
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Vaccinate to prevent the circulation of the virus
In addition, no epidemic focus has been identified, with cases occurring sporadically during the year 2022 in 6 French departments. Children were the most affected, especially children under one year old (children are not yet or only partially vaccinated before the age of one year). Of the 6 patients who contracted measles and were eligible for vaccination, 5 were not vaccinated or their vaccination status was unknown. These data demonstrate the importance good vaccination coverage from early childhood to effectively protect the entire population against measles.
Globally, the WHO observes an increase in cases during the year 2022 at the end of the health crisis and notes that the number of cases is inversely correlated with vaccination coverage. Vaccination of all children would protect the population against measles and its serious complications. In France, it remains difficult to assess the respective effects of the health crisis and the vaccination obligation. Epidemiologists hope that the next few years will confirm the virtual absence of circulation of the virus on the territory, thanks to vaccination.
Also Read – A 300% Increase in Measles Cases Worldwide
Estelle B., Doctor of Pharmacy
Sources
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