The Yomiuri ShimbunIs there any possibility that measles will become widespread? Strict vigilance is called for.

The National Institute of Infectious Diseases has announced that the number of measles patients amounted to a cumulative total of 285 between Jan. 1 and March 3. The number has already exceeded that recorded for the whole of last year. The pace of infection is the fastest in the past decade.

By prefecture, Osaka tops the list of measles patients at 101. Infection has spread to 20 other prefectures, including Tokyo. It is necessary to stay alert.

If people are infected with the measles virus, after about 10 days they will develop such symptoms as running a fever, coughing and sneezing, symptoms similar to those seen when one catches a cold. A fever of 39 degrees or higher and a rash continue for several days thereafter. There is the risk of complications developing such as middle ear infections, pneumonia and encephalitis.

If people suffer encephalitis, there is the possibility of aftereffects such as paralysis. There are also reports of cases in which children developed encephalitis several years or even more than 10 years after they were infected with measles.

If pregnant women are infected with measles, the danger of early delivery and miscarriage increases. Measles is not allowed to be taken lightly just as an everyday disease.

Measles is highly contagious. The virus spreads when patients sneeze or cough. Those who inhale air with the virus in it can be infected. Infection cannot be prevented even by wearing masks.

If you are visiting a medical institution after developing symptoms suspected to be those of measles, you will be asked to consult over the phone in advance of your visit and be given advice to prevent infection at the institution.

Vaccination crucial

The most effective preventive measure is vaccination. To ensure sufficient immunity, it is desirable to vaccinate twice. It is necessary to check your record of vaccinations via such reference materials as maternal and child health handbooks and to look into receiving vaccination as soon as possible, if necessary.

The Health, Labor and Welfare Ministry, for its part, must work toward preventing a shortage of vaccines that could result from the increase in demand.

In Japan, the routine measles vaccination for infants and others was increased to two doses in 2006. As a result, the number of measles patients had significantly declined. Since 2015, Japan has been designated by the World Health Organization as a country that is free of indigenous measles virus and verified as “having achieved measles elimination.”

Nevertheless, measles infection has been expanding globally again. The WHO announced in February that the global total of measles patients in 2018 amounted to about 230,000 on a preliminary basis, an increase of 60,000 from a year before. Measles cases were reported mainly in developing countries, but many cases were also reported in such countries as France and Italy.

There are cases in which tourists from foreign countries and Japanese nationals returning home from overseas bring in the measles virus. The virus cannot be prevented from entering this country even if border control measures are taken at such places as airports. People who are planning trips to countries where measles is endemic are called on to take particular care to confirm whether they have sufficient immunity.

Rubella has also been spreading since last autumn. If a pregnant woman is infected with the rubella virus, it may cause serious problems for the fetus. Men in their 30s to 50s, who did not receive routine immunization, are susceptible to rubella. They are called on to take preventive measures with a view to preventing the spread of infection.

Immunization plays the role of protecting not only those who receive vaccinations but also society as a whole.

(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, March 16, 2019)Speech

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