LIMPOPO – Health MEC, Dr Phophi Ramathuba has advised parents to get their children between the ages of 6-15 years vaccinated against measles.
This follows a campaign in some areas of Limpopo which helped trace three cases at the Bohlale Crèche in the Sekhukhune area recently.
The cases have been defined as an “outbreak” by Ramathuba.
“Once you have two or more cases in a situation where we thought we had already covered the population immunisation, it qualifies as an outbreak,” she remarked.
The partnership between the Department of Social Development and Education allows experts to visit most schools to jab learners against this dangerous disease.
She said measles do not only affect young ones, but adults too, asking that they take advantage of the activation also being done in local healthcare facilities such as mobile clinics.
Symptoms appear 4-7 days after contact with the virus and typically include high fever, cough, runny nose and watery eyes.
A rash appears 3-5 days after the first symptoms.
If not attended to, measles can cause complications which could include ear infections and diarrhea.
Serious complications include pneumonia and encephalitis.
“We encourage parents to bring their children to the nearest clinic for measles vaccination catch-up if they have missed the six and 12 months measles programme. Let’s help prevent the spread of measles outbreak,” said Ramathuba.
The Health Department said to prevent further infections, they would be using the Covid-19 community approach where they included influencers such as traditional leaders, political leaders and churches, among others, to spread health information on the dangers of not vaccinating against measles.
