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[Measles and rubella]
1Service de pédiatrie générale Hôpital Saint-Vincent-de-Paul, Paris.
Abstract:
Measles is an acute disease characterized by fever, cough, conjunctivitis, erythematous maculopapular rash and pathognomonic enanthem. Vaccination had resulted in decrease of complications and mortality. But vaccination coverage in France is low, about 80%: the virus is always circulating and outbreaks in teenagers are possible. The recommendation of a booster dose at age eleven will contribute to reduce the incidence of the disease. Rubella is asymptomatic in 30 to 50% of infected children. There is a risk of transmission to pregnant women with negative serology. Reduction of virus circulation and immunization of young girls will result in decrease of the congenital rubella syndrome (65 cases/year in France). A vaccine booster dose at eleven in all children, combined with measles immunization, is necessary.
Insights
Low measles-rubella vaccination coverage in France necessitates a booster dose at age eleven. This strategy aims to reduce disease incidence and prevent congenital rubella syndrome.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
- Immunology
Context:
- Measles and rubella pose ongoing public health risks due to suboptimal vaccination rates in France.
- Low vaccination coverage (around 80%) allows for continued measles virus circulation and potential outbreaks, particularly in adolescents.
- Rubella's asymptomatic nature in children facilitates transmission to non-immune pregnant women, risking congenital rubella syndrome.
Purpose:
- To highlight the critical need for enhanced measles and rubella immunization strategies in France.
- To advocate for the implementation of a universal vaccine booster dose at age eleven.
- To underscore the public health benefits of reducing measles and rubella virus circulation.
Summary:
- Measles presents with fever, rash, and conjunctivitis; vaccination significantly reduces complications and mortality.
- Rubella infections are often asymptomatic in children but pose a severe risk to pregnant women, potentially causing congenital rubella syndrome.
- Current vaccination coverage in France is insufficient to prevent measles outbreaks and congenital rubella syndrome.
Impact:
- Implementing a booster dose at age eleven can decrease measles incidence and reduce the occurrence of congenital rubella syndrome.
- Increased immunization coverage will protect vulnerable populations, including pregnant women and infants.
- Strengthening vaccination programs is essential for controlling vaccine-preventable diseases.