Measles outbreak hits Northern Region

• Posted on February 8, 2023February 8, 2023
• by Nana Kwesi Coomson
• Comment

The Northern Regional Health Directorate has confirmed about 70 cases of measles among children.

Meanwhile, information available indicates that there’s a shortage of measles vaccines in the region.

A letter sighted by us confirmed cases of measles in the Gushiegu district in October 2022, to date, and additional cases have been confirmed in three other districts (Tamale, Sagnarigu, and Karaga).

“Given the current season, which presents one of the greatest risks for the transmission of measles, Districts Health Directorates and Facilities (both public and private) are urged to intensify surveillance on measles and other diseases of epidemic potential for prompt action should they occur.”

The letter further requested Districts and facilities to conduct prompt investigations and collect blood samples for laboratory confirmation.

“You are also expected to continue to intensify public education on the prevention of measles and other epidemic-prone diseases.
All MM / DDHS must ensure that their epidemic preparedness and response (EPR) plans for measles are updated accordingly and copies submitted to the Regional Health Directorate through the Disease Surveillance Unit on or before Friday, February 10, 2023.”

Measles is a highly contagious, serious disease caused by a virus. Before the introduction of measles vaccine in 1963 and widespread vaccination, major epidemics occurred approximately every 2–3 years and measles caused an
estimated 2.6 million deaths each year.

More than 140 000 people died from measles in 2018 – mostly children under the age of 5 years, despite the availability of a safe and effective vaccine.

Measles is caused by a virus in the paramyxovirus family and it is normally passed through direct contact and through the air. The virus infects the respiratory tract, then spreads throughout the body. Measles is a human disease and is not known to occur in animals.

Unvaccinated pregnant women are also at risk. Any non-immune person (who has not been vaccinated or was vaccinated but did not develop immunity) can become infected.

Measles is still common in many developing countries – particularly in parts of Africa and Asia. The overwhelming majority (more than 95%) of measles deaths occur in countries with low per capita incomes and weak health infrastructures.

Measles outbreaks can be particularly deadly in countries experiencing or recovering from a natural disaster or conflict. Damage to health infrastructure and health services interrupts routine immunization, and overcrowding in residential camps greatly increases the risk of infection.

Prevention

Routine measles vaccination for children, combined with mass immunization campaigns in countries with high case and death rates, are key public health strategies to reduce global measles deaths.

FROM Eric Kombat, Tamale