A patient can contaminate up to 20 people.
Measles have been back in France since the early 2000s in the form of epidemic peaks. The WHO launched in 2024 an alert on the increase in measles in the world. An increase that also affects France (French people are contaminated during stays in Morocco, a country facing a rescrudescence of measles cases since 2023 (120 recorded deaths)). The rate of reproduction of the virus, that is to say its ability to transmit itself is very high: “The contagious patient 5 days before and up to 5 days after the start of the eruption can contaminate 15 to 20 people (high reproduction rate) ” informs the French Society of Emergency Doctor (SFMU). Viral infection rather observed in children can also affect adults, especially young adults.
Definition: What is measles?
Very contagious, measles is an infection caused by a virus (Morbillivirus) with compulsory declaration in France. Contamination is made in the air, in particular via saliva droplets from the airways and containing the virus (cough, sneezing, pants). Contamination can also be carried out by contact with objects contaminated by secretions from the nose or throat for example. Normally, you cannot have measles twice because infection immunizes the person for the rest of their life.
Dolle photo in adults
Until what age can we have measles?
“”Measles can be declared in children, but also in adults. It is all the more serious as it declares itself early in life. The only way to protect yourself and protect young children is vaccination“Answers Yannick Schmitt.
What are the symptoms of measles in adults?
Measles can look like a cold at first. As in children, the contaminated adult presents:
- first a strong fever (39-40 ° C),
- A triad with cough, rhinopharyngitis and conjunctivitis (red, tearful eyes),
- Then typical pimples: first behind the ears then in the face and on the rest of the body (from top to bottom): “These are small red plaque more or less in relief“Specifies Yannick Schmitt, who adds:”After four days, the eruption can evolve towards a design (a loss of small ends of dead skin). Fatigue and cough are still present for several days.“”
There may be forms of asymptomatic measles.
How long does the measles last?
The incubation phase of measles is 10 to 12 days between the time of contact with the virus and the start of the symptoms. Healing takes place after about ten days.
What are the processing of measles?
The treatment of measles aims to alleviate the symptoms: oral rehydration, fever and painkillers, eye care to soothe conjunctivity and antihistamines in the event of significant itching. Antibiotics can be indicated in some cases but they are not systematically prescribed since the infection is viral and non -bacterial.
What are the risks of measles in adults?
Measles is not a benign disease and can cause certain complications, especially infectious at the ENT (otitis) or pulmonary (pneumonia with breathing). “”In one case in a thousand, neurological complications occur in the form of an encephalitis, in other words, inflammation of the nervous system. These complications remain deadly, especially in disadvantaged countries“, Slides Yannick Schmitt. “The first cause of death is pneumonia in children and acute encephalitis in adults” confirms the Ministry of Health. Immuno-depressed patients are more at risk of complications. These are for example patients infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), patients who have benefited from a marrow transplant and patients treated with chemotherapy or immunosuppressants (especially corticosteroids).
Vaccination
As there is no specific treatment to cure measles, it is better to be vaccinated to prevent your appearance. “All children and young adults must be vaccinated against measles. It is a very effective vaccination that protects from the disease in almost 100% of cases after 2 doses of vaccine” recall the health authorities. Ask your doctor that he checks if your measles-eraillons-rubéole (ROR) vaccination is up to date. Otherwise a catch -up is recommended. “”For example, if you were born after 1980, a second dose of vaccine is often necessary! Recall that 89% of cases occur in non -vaccinated subjects. Often forgotten, this vaccination is planned in young women since it cannot be carried out during pregnancy“The vaccine administered in France against measles is the Priorix®. It is covered 100% up to 17 years and 65% then for adults (complementary health can take care of the rest).
Prevention of measles in adults
To avoid catching measles, it is recommended to follow certain basic hygiene rules such as:
- Wash your hands regularly,
- Do not share objects of daily life, especially if you are in contact with an affected person.
- School eviction is essential for children.
- Ventilate your home at least once a day
- Maintain the temperature at 19 ° C.
Thank you to Dr. Yannick Schmitt, doctor and president of the autonomous group of young people who are installed and substitutes (Reagjir)
