The Gauteng Department of Health and Social Development will continue to vaccinate children against measles until 6 November 2009.
The week extension is to allow the department to reach its target of three million people. Currently, health workers have reached almost two million people in the ongoing measles campaign. In this drive, health workers are visiting schools and crèches targeting children from the ages of six months up to both primary and high schools learners.
The campaign is a response to more cases of measles outbreak being reported in the province.
Gauteng Health MEC Qedani Mahlangu says in addition to vaccinating people, the department’s Outbreak Response Team has alerted all clinicians, both in the private and public sector to be on a look out for any signs and symptoms from patients who present themselves at the health facilities.
“Infection control officers in all hospitals have also been requested to be on high surveillance for the disease and ongoing public education provided through clinics. Health promoters dispatched throughout the province are also focusing on measles,” added the MEC.
Measles is a highly contagious but less lethal viral disease that spread through droplets of saliva and secretions from nose. The incubation period is usually ten to fourteen days. Worldwide outbreaks occur within the winter and spring seasons.
The symptoms include: runny nose, cough, red eyes, fever and rashes. Complications include encephalitis (brain infection), pneumonia (lung infection), ear infections and deafness. Members of the public who experience these signs and symptoms are urged to immediately visit their nearest clinic for tests and treatment.
As of last Wednesday, the province has recorded 1 222 confirmed cases of measles with one (1) confirmed death. Nationally, the total number of confirmed cases is 1 355.
Enquiries:
Mandla Sidu
Cell: 082 773 9013
Simon Zwane
Cell: 082551 9892.
Issued by: Department of Health and Social Development, Gauteng Provincial Government
29 October 2009
