#Dijkstra #advises #parents #vaccinate #child #measles
Earlier in the day shouted the Outbreak Management Team (OMT) of the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) has already called on the government to take additional measures now that the number of infections is increasing.
Dangerous
Measles is especially dangerous for young children. Resistance deteriorates and in severe cases children can develop pneumonia. In the long term, measles infection can lead to SSPE, a fatal form of encephalitis. “We also see problems with other infectious diseases that can be prevented by vaccination. We can protect our children against that,” says Dijkstra.
Measures
The minister has asked RIVM to investigate whether additional vaccinations can be distributed within the current stock, or whether more vaccinations can be purchased.
The government also wants children to receive the second injection against mumps, measles and rubella (MMR) earlier. The age should be brought forward from 9 to 3 years. Children receive the first injection when they are fourteen months old.
64 Infections
At least 64 infections have been diagnosed in the Netherlands in recent weeks. Most cases have been found in Eindhoven and the surrounding area among migrant workers from Eastern Europe. (AP)
