Public Health: Government to vaccinate Children against Measles / Rubella

Children aged 9months-59 months nationwide will be vaccinated against measles/ rubella from December 4-8, 2019 nationwide.

The information is contained in a communique signed on November 20, 2019,by the Minister of Public Health, Dr. Manaouda Malachie.7

In line with the vaccination , children aged 0-5yrsrs will be administered vitamin A, and dewormed with Mebendazole.

What is Measles ?

Health personnel describe Measles as a highly contagious childhood infection caused by the Measles virus.

Measles generally appears within 10-12 days of exposure to the virus, but it starts from the respiratory system.

According to the World Health Organization , about 110,000 Measles- related deaths were recorded in 2017.

Apart from children, people with a weakened immune system and pregnant women are also  exposed to the disease.

Symptoms of Measles are; runny nose, cough, fever, red eyes, sore throats and white spots in the mouth.

The deadly disease usually starts developing from the head before spreading to other parts of the body.

Measles is treatable, but can be prevented through vaccination. However, people who have not been vaccinated can catch the disease later on.

Rubella , “The German Measles “

Rubella is equally a contagious disease, but slightly less contagious than measles.

The disease which mostly affects children and pregnant women usually starts with a face rash , and disappears after three days. Hence the name “The three days rash”.

Warning signs include, fever, rashes, sore joints, pink eyes and swollen glands behind the ears.

Rubella can be treated , but doctors say vaccination can prevent contracting the virus .

Measles /Rubella are both airborne diseases that are spread through the air from coughing and sneezing .

Kathy Neba Sina