Be aware of Measles

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Currently, there are reports of an increase in number of patients with measles in Okinawa Prefecture etc. Also, there are countries and areas overseas where measles epidemic are confirmed as well.

Since measles are highly infectious, taking a preventive vaccination is the most effective preventive measure. If you never had the measles until now and not sure whether you received a vaccination or not, please consider having a vaccination.

 

What is Measles

It is an acute infection caused by Rubeola Virus. Since measles are highly infectious and the infection spreads to the air, it cannot be prevented by simply washing the hands and wearing a mask. Approximately 100% of the people who do not have an immunity to measles gets infected when they come in contact with an infected persons.

 

Main symptoms

Symptoms appear around 10 to 12 days after infection. After that, the high fever, cough, runny nose will last for several days, and a small (about 1 mm) rash can occur in the mouth. Although the fever goes down once, it will rise again, after that, a red rash will appear throughout the body. It will disappear after 7 to 10 days if there is no other illness.

 

About vaccination

If you already had the measles vaccination twice, or have suffered from measles, other than those who have antibodies, please consider consulting with your family health care provider and considering having the measles vaccination.

Consult with your medical institution and think about having the measles vaccination.
It is free of charge if you are vaccinated during the period specified by the immunization law (1 to 2 years for the first time, 5 to 7 years for the 2nd time), it will be charged for other periods.

*If you come in contact with a patient who have the measles or if you went to a measles epidemic area and a symptom appears, please inform the medical institution in advance by telephone, notify them about the suspected measles, and follow the instructions.

 

Reference

Mie-ken Iryo Hoken-bu Yakumu Kansen-sho Taisaku-ka Kansen-sho Taisaku Han page

http://www.pref.mie.lg.jp/TOPICS/m0014900229.htm

 

Schedule of vaccination in Japan（from Kokuritsu Kansensho Kenkyu-jo）

https://www.niid.go.jp/niid/ja/component/content/article/320-infectious-diseases/vaccine/2525-v-schedule.html