The Regional Health Agency recalls the importance of vaccination

The regional health agency recalls the importance of vaccination to fight measles. At least 72 cases have been reported in recent months at colleges in Ardèche, Drôme and Rhône.

While the circulation of measles is increasing in France from 2023, the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes regional health agency is warning of measles cases registered in three departments in our region this Thursday, February 15.

“If the situation is currently under control, ARS recommends that parents check their children’s vaccination status and watch for the slightest tell-tale symptoms.“, refers to a press release from the health agency.

Symptoms usually appear 10 to 14 days after exposure to the virus, including high fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes and general fatigue.

rashes Small very red spots appear a few days after the first symptoms, first on the face (ears, forehead, cheeks) then gradually on the whole body. It lasts for about a week.

This highly contagious disease can affect anyone, but more often affects children. An infected person can infect 15 to 20 people.

A two-shot vaccine exists and protects against measles, mumps, and rubella. Immunization has become mandatory for children born on January 1, 2018 (first injection at 12 months and second injection at 16-18 months). It is recommended for all others born after 1980.

Measles is part of a list of about thirty Notable Diseases. Any case, clinical or confirmed, should be reported to an ARS doctor immediately by a health professional (doctor or biologist) without waiting for biological results.