Parents urged to vaccinate young children

The National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) has warned that measles, especially in children under the age of one, can lead to complications in the lungs, eyes and inflammation of the brain, known as encephalitis.

Ekurhuleni’s health professionals urge caregivers to ensure their children are up to date with their routine vaccinations.

“Measles is preventable through a safe and effective vaccination. Every day is vaccination day in Ekurhuleni, parents and guardians should adhere to the schedule to prevent diseases and ailments,” the head of the department for Health and Social Services, Dr Gilbert Motlatla, said.

According to the South African Expanded Programme on Immunisation, children are given the measles vaccine at six months old and a booster at 12 months.

These vaccines are available free of charge at the city’s public health facilities, added Motlatla.

Measles is a highly contagious disease and is spread through infectious airborne respiratory droplets from an infected person when coughing or sneezing.

It presents as follows:

• Measles commonly presents with respiratory symptoms (flu-like).

• And any of the three C’s (conjunctivitis, coryza and cough).

• Other symptoms include fever, fatigue, muscle pain and red maculopapular (blotchy) rash.

• Children under one year of age may develop complicated measles including bronchopneumonia, keratoconjunctivitis and rarely encephalitis.

• These complications may lead to irreversible damage or death, especially in immunocompromised or malnourished children.

In case of suspected measles:

• Isolate the person at home to reduce exposure of children less than 12 months of age and pregnant women to the index patient.

• Immediately take the child to the clinic for further investigation.

• Ensure that the caregiver and other close contacts have been previously immunised.