Concerns over COVID-19 infections have made many people less inclined to visit hospitals, clinics, and medical professionals. This resulted in a downturn of preventative treatments among adults and children alike. Financial Times warns Europe faces a higher risk of measles cases. Could this apply to North America too, ought we be concerned?
What a Higher Risk of Measles Cases Means for Europe
Head of European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control Dr. Andrea Ammon confirms the risk is there. That’s because “substantial numbers of young children missed out on protective vaccinations during the pandemic” she advises.
“So here we will have to have a good look and to catch up on vaccinations,” she continues. “Otherwise I think we will face a lot of outbreaks,” she warns. We understand there could also be an uptick in mumps and rubella infections too.
- Measles causes a red, blotchy rash that usually appears first on the face and behind the ears. Then it spreads downward to the chest and back and finally to the feet. Serious complications include pneumonia and encephalitis.
- Mumps is a viral infection that primarily affects saliva-producing glands near the ears. There is no specific treatment. Possible complications include brain inflammation and hearing loss.
- Rubella is usually a mild illness, with low-grade fever and a sore throat. A rash starts on the face and then spreads to the rest of the body. Complications include heart problems, loss of hearing and eyesight, and intellectual disability.
We Write to Encourage Parents to Vaccinate Children
All three diseases were relatively common in North America before vaccines arrived. U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends:
- Children should all receive combo MMR vaccines.
- Their first dose should be at 12 to 15 months of age.
- The second dose should be at 4 through 6 years of age.
- Teens and adults should also be up to date with their vaccination.
Please follow the link below to catch up on information every parent should know.
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