In terms of measles, the inner and northern regions of the European part of Istanbul are in the lead.

by

SHAFAQNA Türkiye – Turkey, which until the last few years ranked first in Europe with a 98% success rate for vaccinating children, has been affected by the interruption of primary health vaccination processes during the pandemic, the intensification of waves of immigration and especially the impact of rising anti-vaccination and hesitancy in the past few years. according to the World Health Organization. According to the latest data, Turkey ranks first in Europe in the number of cases of measles. According to experts, Turkey is experiencing the largest outbreak of measles since 2013. Turkey, Russia and Tajikistan are in the top three places according to the latest WHO map, which was published on May 31, 2023 and includes data on measles cases detected between May 2022 and April 2023.

In previous data published by the WHO in April, Turkey was in second place and Tajikistan in first place. Health Minister Dr. Fahrettin Koca stressed in a recent statement that there is no outbreak of measles, that identified patients are under control and that investigations of origin are being carried out rigorously, saying that 86 percent of detected measles cases are in Istanbul. Istanbul Family Medicine Association (İSTAHED) Vice President and Member of the Board of Directors in charge of the Scientific Commission. Chinla Nishli Kaya, on the other hand, stated that the 3-4 month increase in measles cases has intensified over the past few weeks, noting that measles cases are concentrated in the inner and northern parts of the European part of Istanbul, and said that they are more likely to encounter measles especially in children aged 9-18 months.

WE ARE THE MOST COMING AT 9-18 MONTHS

“MORE COMING IN 9-18 MONTHS CHILDREN”

Dr. Kaya said: “We are seeing an increase in the number of cases in Istanbul, especially in the last 3-4 months. In the last 3-4 weeks we have seen more intense cases of measles. In our area (Eyup), although not very dense, but, unfortunately, in some regions it is much more. We are seeing more cases in the interior and northern parts of the European side. Regions with a high number of cases, unfortunately, are analogous to the hesitancy or refusal of vaccines. We see this especially in the interior and northern parts of the European side. Unfortunately, we often see measles, especially in children 9-12 months and 12-18 months. These are children who have not been vaccinated.

Beliefs are the most important reasons for vaccine hesitancy, and some people think the vaccine is harmful because of some of the ingredients in the vaccine. After the Covid epidemic, the number of children who are not vaccinated has increased. Confidence in the vaccine has increased,” he said.

THIS IS NOT ONLY A NON-VACCINE PROBLEM

“THE PROBLEM IS NOT JUST FOR THE UNVACCINED”

Pointing out that especially pregnant women, immunocompromised people and unvaccinated children are at great risk of contracting measles, dr. Kaya said: “Measles is very easily transmitted, progresses very quickly, and there is no definitive cure for this disease. We can only prescribe treatment that will relieve the symptoms, that is, the complaints. Thus, it causes severe lung infections such as pneumonia, brain infections, long-term infections such as central nervous system infections (encephalitis), and unfortunately we may experience loss or injury of patients. This is a very serious public health problem. Unfortunately, a person who is not vaccinated has not only his own problem; Anti-vaccination is becoming a problem for our country and even the world.”

RISK OF BRAIN INFLAMMATION AFTER 8-10 YEARS IN A CHILD WITH MEASLA

RISK OF BRAIN INFLAMMATION AFTER 8-10 YEARS IN A CHILD WITH MEASLA

Pointing out that the child’s approach to getting measles and developing immunity is extremely dangerous, dr. Kaya said that especially after children under the age of 2 have had measles, the virus can quietly become permanent in the body and cause SSPE, which can lead to disability and even death years later, and provided the following information: there is a disease called SSPE . , panencephalitis, that is, inflammation of the brain. The child can go through this. This causes more permanent harm to children, damage to the central nervous system occurs, and we can lose children due to infections. Therefore, vaccination is much safer and more valuable than permanent infection.”

CONTENT WILL INCREASE WHEN SCHOOLS OPEN

“CONTACT WILL INCREASE WHEN SCHOOLS OPEN”

Dr. Chinla Nishli Kaya noted that with the reopening of schools there will be a much stronger increase in measles cases, and called on the families of under-vaccinated or unvaccinated children and noted that they should be vaccinated as soon as possible. Dr. Kaya said: “Because measles is an airborne and contact-borne infection, transmission rates will increase even more when schools open. Diagnosing and isolating cases will be much more difficult as other viral infections, such as influenza or rhinovirus, will be added by the season. We will have to give much more combined, more complex treatments. That is why we recommend that those who are under-vaccinated during school closures get vaccinated before September.” said.

THERE IS NO VACCINATION, IT IS DONE AT 9-12 MONTHS AND THE 4TH AGE.

“THE IS NOT A QUESTION ABOUT VACCINATIONS, IT IS DONE AT 9-12 MONTHS AND AT 4TH AGE”

Claiming that measles vaccinations are given at 12 months and 4 years of age on the childhood vaccination schedule, Dr. Kaya stated that due to the upward trend in the incidence in recent years, a dose of the vaccine was added at the 9th month by order of the Ministry of Health, and said: “We invite all children who have not been vaccinated to our family health centers. This is a vaccine that has been used since 1970. A vaccine that has completed clinical trials. A live vaccine, yes, but it can cause a slight pain in the arm, a slight fever, maybe weakness on the day it is given the most. Other than that, it does not have any serious side effects. This is a clinically proven vaccine. Previously, vaccination was done in the first year and at primary school age. Vaccination in elementary school has now been abolished until the age of 4. In our family health centers, the measles, rubella and varicella vaccines are given together and we have no problem getting the vaccine. You can check your vaccinations by contacting your family doctors and nurses. Those who do not have vaccines can be vaccinated immediately. This is especially important for our children aged 9-12 months. Please don’t neglect it.”

Random Post