Costa Blanca
Measles outbreak in Alicante and Elche
By h.b. - Feb 9, 2012 - 11:39 AM
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Photo EFE
The health department says the outbreak is under control.
There is an outbreak of measles in Alicante which has now extended to Elche. Alicante has seen 119 cases which the regional health department says are centred in the north of the city. So far six cases have been reported in Elche.
The health department says things are under control and the outbreaks are evolving normally.
There is a 15 day incubation period for measles, and so the experts think more cases will appear shortly.
Most of those affected have not been vaccinated with the triple vaccine currently used for youngsters, although the experts admit the effectiveness of the vaccine is not always the same, and a person with low defences could develop the illness. Even so they note an increasing number of parents not vaccinating their children.
Colleges and school have been alerted and reminded of correct protocols.
Measles is not serious in children, although it is more serious in adults. The health authority is recommending vaccines for adults aged 20-45 who have not been inoculated or who have not had the illness before.