The number of people in Helmond with measles has risen from thirteen to seventeen in a week. The outbreak at the Free School Peelland was discovered a few weeks ago, now also two cases of illness outside that school have been reported by the GGD Brabant Zuidoost.
Measures will remain in force in primary school in the coming weeks. People must stay alert on complaints and staying at home in the event of illness. Both adults and children have fallen sick. The GGD does not want to say how the infected people are doing.
Four infections were discovered at the end of February. Four others had complaints, but the disease was not (yet) established with them. The GGD does not yet know what the source of the infection is. Measles is a highly contagious disease caused by a virus. The virus is spread through small drops in the air by coughing, sneezing and talking.
The disease starts with a fever, colds, coughing and red eyes. After three to seven days, skin rashes occur, which starts behind the ears and then spreads all over the body. After contact with someone with measles it can take seven to eighteen days for complaints. That is why the GGD emphasizes that people must still be attentive in the coming weeks.
Vulnerable people
According to the GGD, measles usually heals automatically. “Sometimes people get sick more seriously. Babies, unvaccinated pregnant women and people with a immune disorder run extra risk of becoming seriously ill from measles.”
In the Netherlands, children are vaccinated against measles through the national vaccination program. The measles vaccine (BMR vaccine) is given twice and also offers protection against mumps and red dog.
The first puncture is given at the age of fourteen months and already offers 95 percent protection. The second shot follows at the age of three to nine years. Children who comment for vaccination are automatically invited.