Romania reports 37th measles death

December 30, 2017

Europe

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While measles appears to be slowing some in Romania, cases are still being reported on a weekly basis. Since the epidemic began last year, 10,279 confirmed cases have been reported, according to the Romania National Center for Communicable Disease Control and Control Friday (computer translated).

In addition, a 37th measles fatality has been reported in a six-month baby from Neamt county in North-Eastern Romania. Romania Insider reports the child was suffering from anemia and was not eligible for vaccination.

In just the past week, there were reported 11 new confirmed cases in 4 counties and in Bucharest.

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Measles is a highly infectious viral illness that can be very unpleasant and sometimes lead to serious complications. The measles virus is contained in the millions of tiny droplets that come out of the nose and mouth when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

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The initial symptoms of measles develop around 10 days after you’re infected.

These can include:

cold-like symptoms, such as a runny nose, sneezing, and a cough
sore, red eyes that may be sensitive to light
a high temperature (fever), which may reach around 40C (104F)
small greyish-white spots on the inside of the cheeks

A few days later, a red-brown blotchy rash will appear. This usually starts on the head or upper neck, before spreading outwards to the rest of the body.

Measles can be unpleasant, but will usually pass in about 7 to 10 days without causing any further problems.

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Once you’ve had measles, your body builds up resistance (immunity) to the virus and it’s highly unlikely you’ll get it again.

However, measles can lead to serious and potentially life-threatening complications in some people. These include infections of the lungs (pneumonia) and brain (encephalitis).