Rougeole : son élimination passe par une amélioration de la couverture vaccinale

Generalised immunization against measles has led to very important decrease of incidence and, consequently, most of young physicians never saw measles, and it seems useful to recall mains symptoms. Taking into account this important decrease, diagnosis of measles has to be biologically confirmed: detection of specific IgM in serum or saliva or IgG seroconversion. Notification of measles to the direction départementale des affaires sanitaires et sociales (DDASS) is mandatory in France till 2005, which is in charge of management of surroundings. This mass immunisation has led to move and increase the mean age of patients with measles, which is not only a pediatric disease actually. In 2008, there were an important increase in incidence of measles in France and Western Europe. In 2005, according to WHO request, France decides to eliminate measles. Taking into account the great contagiosity of this disease, the rate of vaccination coverage necessary to stop virus circulation and, consequently, disease suppression is very high and two doses are necessary. A rate as high as 95% for the first dosage and 80% for the second one, at two years of age and catch-up immunization until 30 years in non immune people have to be obtained. Guidelines have been modified in 2005 but recent data show that these objectives are not reached. Many nosocomial infections have been reported which must invite us to check the immunity of health care workers.