Health Department government of Sindh has started vaccination program from 15th to 27th October 2018 and running very effectively. Earlier this year in the month of March — April 2018, an outbreak of measles caused much death but the government of Sindh succeeded to control. Now Government is fully aware of preventive measures for measles vaccination and people of the province are cooperating with the vaccinators.
Measles, or rubella, is a viral infection of the respiratory system. Measles is a very contagious disease that can spread through contact with infected mucus and saliva. An infected person can release the infection into the air when they cough or sneeze.
The measles virus can live on surfaces for several hours. As the infected particles enter the air and settle on surfaces, anyone within close proximity can become infected.
Drinking from an infected person’s glass or sharing eating utensils with an infected person increases your risk of infection.
Measles is a leading cause of death in children. Of the 114,900 global deaths related to measles in 2014, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported that most of the victims were under the age of 5.
Contact a Doctor immediately if you suspect you have measles. If you have not received a measles vaccine and you come into contact with an infected person, visit your doctor to receive a measles vaccine within 72 hours of contact to prevent infection. You can also prevent an infection with a dose of immunoglobulin taken within six days of contact with an infected person.
Symptoms of measles generally appear within 14 days of exposure to the virus. Symptoms include Cough, fever, red eyes, light sensitivity, muscle aches, runny nose, sore throat and white spots inside the mouth.
Symptoms of measles generally appear within 14 days of exposure to the virus. Symptoms include Cough, fever, red eyes, light sensitivity, muscle aches, runny nose, sore throat and white spots inside the mouth. A widespread Skin rash is a classic sign of measles. This rash can last up to seven days and generally appears within the first three to five days of exposure to the virus
A widespread Skin rash is a classic sign of measles. This rash can last up to seven days and generally appears within the first three to five days of exposure to the virus.
A measles rash, which appears as red, itchy bumps, commonly develops on the head and slowly spreads to other parts of the body.
The number of measles cases has significantly dropped due to immunization. However, the disease has not been completely eliminated.
Measles primarily occurs in unvaccinated children. Some parents choose not to vaccinate their children for fear that vaccines will have adverse effects on their children. Most children and adults who receive a measles vaccine do not experience side effects.
But in rare cases, the vaccine has been linked to seizures, deafness, brain damage, and coma. It is important to note that these serious side effects from the measles vaccine occur in less than 1 out of every million doses of the vaccine given.
Some parents believe that the measles vaccine can cause autism in children. However, numerous studies have proven that there is no link between autism and immunizations.
Vitamin A deficiency is also a risk factor for measles. Children with too little vitamin A in their diets have a higher risk of catching the virus.
Measles has a low death rate in healthy children and adults, and most people who contract the measles virus recover fully. The risk of complications is higher in children and adults with a weak immune system.
You cannot get measles more than once. After you’ve had the virus, you are immune for life.
Immunisations can help prevent a measles outbreak. The MMR vaccine is a three-in-one vaccination that can protect you and your children from the measles, mumps, and rubella (German measles).
Children can receive their first MMR vaccination at 12 months or sooner if traveling internationally, and their second dose between the ages of 4 and 6. Adults who have never received an immunization can request the vaccine from their doctor.
If you or a family member contracts the measles virus, limit interaction with others. This includes staying home from school or work and avoiding social activities.
As more people seek exemptions for immunization against infection disease, figures show that those who do not receive Vaccinations are more likely to be involved in an outbreak.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) encourage people to have their children vaccinated, to prevent the spread of measles and the risk of an outbreak.
Vaccination prevents many cases of measles around the world. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimate that 2.6 million people who have not had the vaccine die of measles every year.
The present Vaccination program in Sindh will complete on 27th October and we hope this time PPP government will get better results to save our children.
The writer is a retired doctor of the Sindh Health Department
Published in Daily Times, October 26th 2018.