Measles campaign kicks off
2010-04-15
FOLLOWING an increased incidence of measles, the Department of Health has launched a mass measles and polio immunisation campaign at clinics, crèches and primary schools. Round one of the campaign will take place until 23 April. Polio drops will be given to babies 0 to 59 months and measles vaccine to children from six months to under 15 years. Parents or caregivers must sign consent forms of their children at schools and crèches. The public can contact their nearest clinics for details. Round two will take place from 24 to 28 May when a second dose of polio drops will be given to babies 0 to 59 months and vitamin drops and de-worming medication to babies from 12 to 59 months. ) Measles is an acute infection caused by a virus which spreads easily. The illness is characterised by a cough, runny nose, fever and a blotchy red rash that appears several days after the initial symptoms. The rash first develops in the facial area, with swelling of the eyes and a redness of the mouth. It then spreads over the body within three to seven days. A person who contracts measles is infectious the day before the symptoms occur, and about four days before and after the rash appears. Measles is most severe in children who are malnourished, with the highest fatality rates occurring in malnourished children under the age of one. It is also more severe in adults than in children over two years of age. Potential complications include ear infections, diarrhoea, pneumonia, croup and convulsions. All children should routinely receive a measles vaccination at nine months and a booster injection at 18 months. Measles immunisations are available free at health clinics.
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