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The increase in measles and pertussis cases observed recently in Greece reflects a “break” in the collective immunity of the Greek population and makes it more timely than ever to highlight the value of vaccination as a protective shield against these two dangerous infections.

The phenomenon is pan-European and is linked to the impact of the pandemic on the wider population, as well as the vaccination gap that emerged as a consequence of the anti-vaccination movement that it triggered. A few days ago, officials from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) revealed new data confirming the increase in measles and pertussis cases in various EU countries, including Greece.

Dangerous Complacency

Measles and whooping cough are two particularly dangerous diseases that we tend to underestimate as they were almost eliminated, thanks to the extensive vaccination program implemented for decades in the country.

They are also highly contagious, with a very high transmission rate: a single patient with whooping cough can transmit the disease to 15-17 people, while the corresponding number for measles is 12-18 people. In comparison, the transmission rate of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes the disease COVID-19, is three (3) people!

Measles is an acute viral respiratory disease transmitted through droplets in the mucous membranes of the nose and pharynx and can have serious complications, such as otitis, pneumonia, myocarditis and encephalitis. Its clinical picture is more severe in newborns, the elderly and immunocompromised individuals (e.g. cancer patients who have received chemotherapy or radiotherapy).

Correspondingly, pertussis is an acute microbial infection of the respiratory system, with the most frequent complication being pneumonia and which can be fatal, especially in newborns. It is particularly important to inform pregnant women about the need for vaccination, as pertussis is passed from the mother to the fetus or later to the newborn, without there being any way to protect the latter.

Unfortunately, since the beginning of the year, cases of infants under one year old who have lost their lives from complications of whooping cough have been recorded.

Pay attention to symptoms

Early diagnosis is crucial for the treatment of both measles and whooping cough, especially in vulnerable groups, such as infants. That is why special attention must be paid to the symptoms.

Measles initially has the appearance of a common cold, with a runny nose, fever and cough. Gradually, the fever rises and red rashes appear on the head and the rest of the body.

Whooping cough begins with a strong runny nose and an atypical cough that gradually becomes paroxysmal, while the fever is relatively mild.

Regarding the above symptoms, it is important to communicate with the pediatrician and receive further guidance so that, if necessary, the child can receive specialized care in a hospital, especially if it is an infant.

At the Athens Pediatric Center we have an extremely modern and organized diagnostic laboratory staffed with specialized medical and nursing staff who have extensive experience both in the timely diagnosis of measles and whooping cough at an early stage and in the effective treatment of complicated cases.

Prevention

However, as with all diseases, the most effective way to treat them is prevention and in this context, vaccination plays a key role. Vaccines against measles and whooping cough are many decades old and their systematic administration to the population in previous decades had led to the elimination of these two dangerous diseases. This is an achievement that should not be lost, as the risk of a resurgence of infectious diseases such as measles and whooping cough is always present.