Measles Outbreak in Limburg: 24 Cases Reported, Vaccination Campaign Launched
Health authorities urge immediate vaccinations in response to rising infections among children under 10.
LIMBURG – The Department of Care and the Student Guidance Centers (CLBs) have reported 24 confirmed cases of measles in Limburg over the past three weeks, with the majority of infections occurring in children under the age of 10. In light of this outbreak, health authorities are initiating a vaccination campaign aimed at curtailing the spread of the disease.
Joris Moonens from the Department of Healthcare highlighted that most infections are occurring in family clusters, particularly among unvaccinated family members.
While local authorities have not yet observed widespread regional transmission, the situation remains concerning.
Families affected by the outbreak will be contacted by the CLBs, which are working alongside the Department of Health to arrange additional vaccination opportunities at schools, especially in areas with lower vaccination rates.
Moonens stated, "We want to provide additional moments in those schools" to facilitate access to the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine.
Limburg has seen a decline in vaccination rates since 2019. According to data from Vrij CLB, the vaccination rate for children has fallen below the critical threshold of 95% for the first time in two years.
This percentage is vital for achieving herd immunity.
Infected individuals are urged to stay at home and not visit their family doctor, as measles is highly contagious and can infect unvaccinated individuals rapidly.
Moonens reiterated the seriousness of the disease, noting that while many recover without severe consequences, complications such as pneumonia or encephalitis can occur in a minority of cases.
The effectiveness of the measles vaccine is well-documented.
Administered in two doses, typically at 12 to 15 months and again at 4 to 6 years, the MMR vaccine offers approximately 97% protection against measles after both doses.
A single dose provides around a 93-95% reduction in risk of infection.
Furthermore, post-exposure immunization has been shown to decrease transmission risk by approximately 85% when administered shortly after exposure to the virus.
Globally, measles immunization has been instrumental in preventing millions of deaths and reducing the incidence of the disease significantly over the past five decades.
Joris Moonens from the Department of Healthcare highlighted that most infections are occurring in family clusters, particularly among unvaccinated family members.
While local authorities have not yet observed widespread regional transmission, the situation remains concerning.
Families affected by the outbreak will be contacted by the CLBs, which are working alongside the Department of Health to arrange additional vaccination opportunities at schools, especially in areas with lower vaccination rates.
Moonens stated, "We want to provide additional moments in those schools" to facilitate access to the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine.
Limburg has seen a decline in vaccination rates since 2019. According to data from Vrij CLB, the vaccination rate for children has fallen below the critical threshold of 95% for the first time in two years.
This percentage is vital for achieving herd immunity.
Infected individuals are urged to stay at home and not visit their family doctor, as measles is highly contagious and can infect unvaccinated individuals rapidly.
Moonens reiterated the seriousness of the disease, noting that while many recover without severe consequences, complications such as pneumonia or encephalitis can occur in a minority of cases.
The effectiveness of the measles vaccine is well-documented.
Administered in two doses, typically at 12 to 15 months and again at 4 to 6 years, the MMR vaccine offers approximately 97% protection against measles after both doses.
A single dose provides around a 93-95% reduction in risk of infection.
Furthermore, post-exposure immunization has been shown to decrease transmission risk by approximately 85% when administered shortly after exposure to the virus.
Globally, measles immunization has been instrumental in preventing millions of deaths and reducing the incidence of the disease significantly over the past five decades.
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