NewsDesk @bactiman63
The Institute of Health and Welfare (THL) reports a person with measles traveled on the Viking Glory ship on Sunday, August 6, from 8:45 a.m. to 6:55 p.m. from Turku to Stockholm. Fellow passengers may have been exposed to infection.
Travelers on the ship in question – a total of approximately 3,500 people, of which approximately 2,000 from Sweden – have been contacted via email by the Public Health Authority and Viking Line regarding the possible exposure.
People who have previously received two doses of measles vaccine, or who have had measles themselves, have good protection against the disease, which is highly contagious.
If the child has received the first dose of the vaccine according to the vaccination schedule, the second dose does not need to be postponed.
Parents of unvaccinated children, unvaccinated pregnant women and immunocompromised people are advised to contact their health center as soon as possible to assess the situation.
A person whose vaccination coverage is insufficient is recommended to contact their health center to supplement their vaccination coverage. MMR vaccination is free for everyone.
The first symptoms of measles are high fever and respiratory symptoms. The rash starts a couple of days after the fever and lasts for more than a week.
If the passenger develops symptoms suitable for measles within three weeks after the trip, he should first contact his health center by phone to obtain more detailed instructions.
How contagious is measles? Answer: Very
Measles is an exceptionally contagious disease. It is transmitted through the air in the room, and staying in the same room can be enough to become infected.
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A person infected with measles must be infected four days before the rash (i.e. already one day before the first symptoms) and four days after the onset of the rash.
Two doses of MMR vaccine provide good protection against the disease. Those born before the 1970s may have protection from the disease they have. MMR vaccination is free for everyone as part of the national vaccination program. It also protects against mumps and rubella.
Measles and SSPE: Progressive, disabling, and fatal
Measles can be a serious disease for anyone, regardless of age. Measles can be a difficult, even fatal disease, especially for people with a weakened immune system.
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