Five cases of measles have been identified in Luxembourg, according to the Directorate of Health.

The highly contagious viral disease has spread to the Grand Duchy. In this context, the Directorate of Health has warned that, in a non-immune population, a contagious person can infect 15 to 20 people. The first signs of infection are rhinitis (runny nose), conjunctivitis (red and watery eyes) and coughing, accompanied by fever. The rash that gave its name to the disease is a redness that begins in the face and behind the ears and lasts about five days.

Measles can cause serious complications that can lead to far-reaching consequences, or even death. Severe complications are more common in young children under one year old and adults over twenty years old. Pregnant women and people with a weak immune system are particularly at risk.

There is no cure for the disease; only the symptoms can be alleviated by medication if needed. Vaccination is the only way of protection against measles and prevention of the spread of the virus in the population. Two doses of the measles vaccine are needed to provide complete protection.

Currently, there have been five confirmed cases of measles in Luxembourg. Although the outbreak is currently contained, the Health Directorate's survey of infected persons and their contacts has shown that there is a risk of the disease spreading.

In this particular situation and in order to stop the spread of the virus, the Directorate of Health has asked the population to check that their vaccination status is up-to-date. If this is not the case, it is recommended that children over the age of 12 months get two doses of the combined measles, mumps, rubella and varicella (MMRV) and that adults born after 1980 who have not received the two doses get an MMR vaccine booster. For people who have been in contact with a case of measles, vaccination, if performed within 72 hours after the first potentially infectious contact, can prevent the occurrence of the disease or reduce the symptoms.

Anyone who suspects they have contracted the illness should contact their family doctor and limit contact with people at risk who are not protected against measles.

For further information, consult your doctor or contact the Health Inspection Division of the Directorate of Health via tel.: (+352) 247-85650. To consult vaccination recommendations, visit the portal www.SANTE.lu.