The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health would like to alert the public of a measles outbreak that has been reported in various provinces, especially in Gauteng, including nine confirmed cases in this province. Parents, guardians, caregivers and schools are requested to assist the department by reporting all people with the signs and symptoms of measles in their areas of operation.
What is measles?
Measles is a highly infectious viral disease, which affects mostly children. It is transmitted via droplets from the nose, mouth or throat of infected persons. Initial symptoms, which usually appear 8 to 12 days after infection, include high fever, runny nose, bloodshot eyes, and tiny white spots on the inside of the mouth. Several days later, a rash develops, starting on the face and upper neck and gradually spreading downwards.
Why is measles a dangerous disease?
There is no specific treatment for measles and most people recover within three to three weeks. However, particularly in malnourished children and people with reduced immunity; measles can cause serious complications, including blindness, encephalitis, severe diarrhoea, ear infection and pneumonia. Young children, who survive measles are weakened by the disease and may later die from malnutrition or other illnesses.
A quarter of all deaths from measles occur before the age of one year. Measles in older children usually occur as outbreaks, when large groups of children get measles at the same time. The risk of a measles outbreak is higher when groups of children gather together for example in crèches, day care centres and in schools.
What to do if you suspect that you or your child has measles? Consult the nearest clinic, hospital or your doctor, immediately!
The following will be done:
* Examination will be conducted to exclude other illnesses.
* Blood and urine specimens will be taken. Specimens will be sent to the laboratory to confirm if the client has measles. The child will be managed according to the signs and symptoms.
* Should the laboratory results confirm measles, all those who have been in contact with the child would need to be screened for signs and symptoms of measles and immunisations will be given to interrupt transmission. The objective for immunisation is to give people a booster dose of measles that will provide them with additional protection against measles.
How to care for a person with measles at home?
* isolate the person to prevent spread
* keep in dark room - away from sunlight
* give lots of fluids
* continue good nutrition.
Measles are preventable; immunise your child against measles at the appropriate early age.
Ensuring a brighter future of a child starts with immunisation!
Issued by: Department of Health, KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government
2 October 2009
