Measles warning for the district
This plea comes after reported incidents of measles in three districts, which includes the King Cetshwayo District
THE Department of Health urges parents to vaccinate their children against measles and other communicable illnesses.
This plea comes after reported incidents of measles in three districts, which includes the King Cetshwayo District.
Department spokesman Sam Mkhwanazi said measles is a viral infection spread by saliva mainly through coughing, sneezing or being in close contact with an infected person.
‘Symptoms include fever, a rash and flu-like symptoms. Complications can include lung infection (pneumonia), diarrhoea, dehydration, blindness, brain infection (encephalitis) or death. Most people recover fully from measles, but complications are unpredictable,’ said Mkhwanazi.
‘It is common in children, but older people who have not been vaccinated can also be infected.’
He said there are currently 27 cases of measles in the province, two confirmed in Ilembe, one suspected case in uThukela and another suspected case in the King Cetshwayo district.
‘People in the affected communities must take advantage of vaccinations offered at public health institutions.
‘This should be done urgently to prevent further transmission of the virus,’ Mkhwanazi emphasised..
‘Children are vaccinated against measles as part of the Expanded Programme on Immunisation (SA-EPI) schedule at 6 months of age, and a booster at 12 months.
‘At least 95% of people are protected from measles after the two doses.’
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