By Omoruyi Patricia Osayomore
Measles is a highly contagious and complicated disease caused by a virus of the Paramyxovirus family, normally transmitted through direct contact with infected persons and also airborne.
According to experts, the virus infects the respiratory tract and then spreads throughout the body. Measles is a human disease which is not known to infect animals.
The first sign of measles is usually high fever, which begins about 10 to 12 days after exposure to the virus. Beyond the four to seven days of fever, runny nose, coughing, red and watery eyes and small white spots inside the cheeks manifest in the next stage.
After a couple of days, rashes erupt, usually on the face and upper neck. Within three days, the rash spreads, eventually reaching the hands and feet. It could last five or six days and then fade.
On the average, the rash occurs 14 days after exposure to the virus.
Measles can be so complicated to the extent of being fatal if not properly treated by medical experts. Complications and death are more common in children between the ages of less than one to five years but not so for adults who are over the age of 20.
Some of the symptoms of measles are encephalitis (an infection that causes brain swelling), blindness, diarrhea, dehydration, ear infections or severe respiratory infections such as pneumonia.
Children with insufficient intake of vitamin A with malnutrition, unvaccinated young children and unvaccinated pregnant women are at higher risk of contracting measles.
Severe measles is more likely among poorly nourished young children, especially those whose immune systems have been weakened by HIV/AIDS or other diseases. In the same way, any non-immune person (who has not been vaccinated or was vaccinated but did not develop immunity) can become infected.
Measles is very common in Africa and Asia, especially among the developing nations. Studies have revealed that the overwhelming majority (more than 95%) of measles deaths occur in countries with low per capita income and weak health infrastructure.
Measles outbreaks are also very deadly in countries experiencing or recovering from a natural disaster or conflict. In Edo State, the COVID-19 pandemic adversely affected several areas and activities in the State’s health sector, which underscores why Governor Godwin Obaseki is strengthening and re-equipping facilities at the State’s healthcare centres to effectively combat measles alongside other life-threatening diseases in the State.
Therefore, there is a need for parents, guardians and caregivers residing in the State to locate the nearest Primary Healthcare Center (PHC) in their various locations with their children for measles checkup and vaccination.
In compliance with the State Government’s directives, parents should demonstrate their responsibility towards their children by ensuring their prompt vaccination which will boost the State Government’s efforts in the fight against measles.
Vaccination is currently ongoing at the various (PHCs) and outreach centers across the State. Everyone should remember that children’s health cannot be compromised.
Their health is of utmost priority to the Government of Edo State as it should be for all well-meaning residents of the State.
