Measles outbreak in Ukraine - “what you can do”
Measles outbreak in Ukraine - “what you can do”
February 28, 2019
February 28, 2019
According to the statement of the Ministry of Healthcare (MoH) of Ukraine in January 2019 measles in Ukraine has affected more than 15 thousand people. Measles is a viral disease with probability of transmission by air droplets during contact with an infected person is approaching 100%. The consequences of the infection can be severe complications and death. Both children and adults who have not received quality vaccinations get the disease. The Ministry of Health provides recommendations for stopping the spread of measles and actions recommendations in the current situation. Checking for immunity to measles is possible through blood test for the presence of IgG to the measles virus. The test is on the list of services of the most well-known diagnostic laboratories in Ukraine and costs about 200-300 hryvnias (8-10 USD/7-8 EUR).
According to the statement of the Ministry of Healthcare (MoH) of Ukraine in January 2019 measles in Ukraine has affected more than 15 thousand people. Measles is a viral disease with probability of transmission by air droplets during contact with an infected person is approaching 100%. The consequences of the infection can be severe complications and death. Both children and adults who have not received quality vaccinations get the disease. The Ministry of Health provides recommendations for stopping the spread of measles and actions recommendations in the current situation. Checking for immunity to measles is possible through blood test for the presence of IgG to the measles virus. The test is on the list of services of the most well-known diagnostic laboratories in Ukraine and costs about 200-300 hryvnias (8-10 USD/7-8 EUR).
Below is a fragment of the recommendations of the MoH concerning personal actions:
Below is a fragment of the recommendations of the MoH concerning personal actions:
"WHAT YOU CAN DO
"WHAT YOU CAN DO
The overwhelming majority of Europeans have all the MMR (vaccine against measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccinations according to the schedule, so in 42 out of 53 European countries spread of measles was stopped. Problems remain in those countries where the level of vaccination coverage is insufficient. Unfortunately, Ukraine is among these countries.
The overwhelming majority of Europeans have all the MMR (vaccine against measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccinations according to the schedule, so in 42 out of 53 European countries spread of measles was stopped. Problems remain in those countries where the level of vaccination coverage is insufficient. Unfortunately, Ukraine is among these countries.
Collective immunity can stop the spread of measles. When at least 95% of Ukrainians will be vaccinated against measles, the spread of the disease will go down and even those not vaccinated due to health reasons will be protected from the infection.
Collective immunity can stop the spread of measles. When at least 95% of Ukrainians will be vaccinated against measles, the spread of the disease will go down and even those not vaccinated due to health reasons will be protected from the infection.
What can everyone do:
What can everyone do:
check your vaccination card: two doses of the MMR vaccine protect against measles throughout your life, and in case of illness - significantly reduce the risk of severe complications;
check your vaccination card: two doses of the MMR vaccine protect against measles throughout your life, and in case of illness - significantly reduce the risk of severe complications;
If you do not remember when and what vaccinations have been made to you or your child and if you do not have any medical records about your immunization, contact your family doctor or pediatrician. Checking for immunity from measles, rubella and mumps can be done using laboratory tests. Before vaccination, the doctor will prescribe tests (to detect IgG to the virus or others) - this is a quick and easy way to find out if you have immunity to protect yourself from the disease.
If you do not remember when and what vaccinations have been made to you or your child and if you do not have any medical records about your immunization, contact your family doctor or pediatrician. Checking for immunity from measles, rubella and mumps can be done using laboratory tests. Before vaccination, the doctor will prescribe tests (to detect IgG to the virus or others) - this is a quick and easy way to find out if you have immunity to protect yourself from the disease.
If you or your child missed both doses or only the second dose of the MMR vaccine from the Immunization Calendar, contact your health care provider as soon as possible to get the vaccine. The MMR vaccines are free of charge for all children and adolescents under the age of 18, as well as for adults at risk : physicians, teachers, students, military personnel, members of the Joint Force Operations."
If you or your child missed both doses or only the second dose of the MMR vaccine from the Immunization Calendar, contact your health care provider as soon as possible to get the vaccine. The MMR vaccines are free of charge for all children and adolescents under the age of 18, as well as for adults at risk : physicians, teachers, students, military personnel, members of the Joint Force Operations."