Japan On High Alert After Passenger Arriving From United Arab Emirates With Measles Found To Have Spread It To Seven Others!
Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Mar 13, 2024 1 month, 2 weeks, 1 hour, 5 minutes ago
Measles News: The Japanese health ministry has urged residents to get their measles shots following the confirmation of eight cases of measles with one originating from among passengers who arrived on a flight from United Arab Emirates at Kansai International Airport in late February, amid a continuing global spread of the disease. The other seven were individuals who contracted the disease in Japan after being exposed to the infected individual including 4 others were on the same flight.
https://www.pref.osaka.lg.jp/hodo/index.php?site=fumin&pageId=50734
J
apan On High Alert After Passenger Arriving From United Arab Emirates
With Measles Found To Have Spread It To Seven Others!
Origins and Spread of the Outbreak
Multiple cases emerged after the arrival of Etihad's Flight EY 830 from the United Arab Emirates on Feb. 24, with the initial case in Higashi-Osaka City reported on March 1. This was followed by seven secondary infections confirmed in Osaka and other prefectures. In all, a total of five cases were from the passengers arriving from UAE.
Alarmingly, this initial case involving a woman passenger, spiraled into seven secondary infections, spreading across Osaka and other prefectures within Japan. All the eight infected were young adults between 20 to 40.
Recent developments revealed that patient zero was likely a woman in her twenties, who was a passenger on the same flight, who tested positive for measles last Friday. As reported by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government and also on various local
Measles News coverages on Monday, the woman was hospitalized after receiving the positive diagnosis last week. Concerningly, officials suggest that during her previous engagements, she might have potentially exposed hundreds to the virus while frequenting crowded locations.
Further details provided by the metropolitan government indicate that prior to her diagnosis, the woman had traveled from Osaka to Tokyo via the shinkansen (bullet train). Additionally, she had dined at a restaurant in Ginza a day before receiving her test results. Notably, it was disclosed that the woman had only received a single dose of the measles vaccine, leaving her with limited immunity against the highly contagious disease.
Concerns Mounting Amidst Rising Cases
Concerns are growing that measles infections may become widespread in Japan as many other countries have been hit by outbreaks. This year's number of reported patients in Japan had reached 11 as of Monday (3 more cases have emerged that are possibly linked to the initial 8 cases), already surpassing the full-year numbers for 2020 to 2022 during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The escalation of measles cases within Japan has sparked significant apprehension among health authorities and raises profound concerns about the potent
ial widespread transmission of the virus throughout Japan.
Symptoms and Severity of Measles
Patients develop symptoms similar to those of cold some 10 days after getting infected, which are followed by a high fever and a rash. Symptoms appear in almost 100 percent of those not immune to the measles virus. The disease kills one in 1,000 infected people even in developed countries.
Expert Insights and Recommendations
Dr Tomoya Saito, a prominent figure at the National Institute of Infectious Diseases' Center for Emergency Preparedness and Response, stresses the pivotal importance of vaccination against measles. Contrary to popular belief, asymptomatic carriers are rare, and the virus primarily spreads through airborne transmission, rendering simple preventive measures like mask-wearing insufficient.
"By receiving two doses of the vaccine, it is said that over 95% of individuals can acquire immunity," he emphasized. Dr Saito underscored the necessity for individuals lacking documented vaccination history to promptly seek immunization. He also highlighted the heightened risk posed by travelers from regions like Southeast Asia, the Middle East and Europe where measles is currently wreaking havoc, necessitating heightened vigilance at Japan's borders.
Health Minister's Urgent Appeal
Health Minister Takemi Keizo has issued a resolute call to action in response to the emerging threat of measles. Following the confirmation of cases among individuals arriving from the United Arab Emirates, Minister Keizo emphasized the urgency of vigilance against potential measles infections. Notably, Europe, Southeast Asia, and various other regions have recently grappled with surging measles outbreaks, heightening concerns of imported cases.
He encouraged individuals to avoid public transit, particularly if exhibiting symptoms indicative of measles, serves as a crucial step in mitigating transmission risks.
He added that prompt consultation with healthcare professionals via telephone facilitates early detection and appropriate management of potential cases, bolstering the nation's defenses against the burgeoning outbreak.
Conclusion: A Unified Front Against Measles
In the face of escalating measles cases and the looming threat of widespread transmission, Japan finds itself at a critical juncture in safeguarding public health. The collective efforts of health authorities, frontline healthcare workers, and vigilant citizens are imperative in curbing the spread of this highly contagious disease. Through rigorous vaccination campaigns, enhanced surveillance measures, and adherence to preventive protocols, Japan endeavors to fortify its defenses against the pervasive threat of measles, ensuring the well-being of its populace amidst this global health crisis.
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