Following the outbreak of measles in Jigawa state where six children were confirmed dead and over 249 infected, the federal government and relevant stakeholders have been advised to take concrete steps towards ensuring that more children are immunised in the country. TUNDE OGUNTOLA takes a cursory look at the dangers posed on unvaccinated young children against contracting measles.
Measles is one of the leading causes of death among young children despite that a safe and cost-effective vaccine is available.
Studies show that accelerated immunization activities have had a major impact on reducing measles deaths. During 2000-2014, measles vaccination prevented an estimated 17.1 million deaths. Global measles deaths have decreased by 79 per cent from an estimated 546 800 in 2000 to 114 900 in 2014.
According to World Health Organization (WHO), the first sign of measles is usually a high fever, which begins about 10 to 12 days after exposure to the virus, and lasts 4 to 7 days. A runny nose, a cough, red and watery eyes, and small white spots inside the cheeks can develop in the initial stage. After several days, a rash erupts, usually on the face and upper neck. Over about 3 days, the rash spreads, eventually reaching the hands and feet. The rash lasts for 5 to 6 days, and then fades. On average, the rash occurs 14 days after exposure to the virus (within a range of 7 to 18 days).
Dr Obeth Abu,a medical practitioner with Graceland clinic, Nasarawa State said that there is no treatment for measles. Because measles is caused by a virus, there is no specific treatment. However, taking Vitamin A might make the illness milder.
He said you probably won’t get infected if you have been vaccinated, and the risk is even lower if you have received both recommended doses. The first dose of the measles vaccine is usually given to infants aged 12 to 15 months, but it is never too late to get vaccinated, even as an adult. Recently, six children were confirmed dead while over 249 are infected following the outbreak of measles and whooping cough in Suletankarkar local government area of Jigawa state.
Reports revealed that virtually all the victims are children below five years of age.
However, six villages that were said to be worst hit by the outbreak are border towns between Nigeria and Niger Republic.
Confirming the development, the Suletankarkar LGA, head of department for water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) department, Mohammed Maisamari said, the outbreak of the two diseases led to tragic death of children.
According to him, his local government council got the report of the outbreak of the diseases in March, 1, after the death of the children.
He added that the council promptly responded by sending team of health workers to the affected villages for treatment of all children diagnosed to have contracted either of the diseases.
“Maizare is the only village amongst the villages that recorded the death of six children.”
From the narrative above, the decline in routine childhood measles immunization could have led to the resurgence of measles in Jigawa state after the state was measles-free for a while.
While most cases of measles occur in children between 9 and 59 months and in most cases in rural areas. Efforts should be made to increase measles immunization in children between 9 and 59 months.
Hence, due to the peak incidence of measles in the dry season vaccination campaigns should be increased towards the end of the rainy season to prevent outbreaks in the beginning of the dry season.
On a final note, measles vaccination outreaches should be planned towards the end of the rainy season in order to capture most of the children who are susceptible to measles before the onset of the dry season when they are more prone to measles infection as measles is highly infectious and strong, sustained efforts are needed to maintain the current level of control.
By: Tunde Oguntola
Leadership News
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