. . . Over 16 000 children covered so far after outbreak
By Matṧeliso Phulane
The ministry of health on Monday and Tuesday this week vaccinated over 16 000 children in Maseru district against measles.
The exercise is part of the government’s five-day campaign to vaccine about 114 000 children after a recent measles outbreak in Maseru which affected at least 10 children.
There was also an outbreak mumps reported a few weeks ago in other districts of the country. While mumps and measles are different viruses with unique symptoms, both are highly contagious.
This particular campaign started on Monday and ends tomorrow. Vaccination took place at health centres, schools and privately owned clinics.
The District Medical Officer for Maseru, Dr. Moseme Makhele, said the ministry suspects that the measles could have been transmitted from South Africa since there has been an outbreak in that country.
Dr Makhele noted that even though the campaign was meant for only five days, they would continue with the exercise if cases continue to be reported.
He said Basotho children were at high risk because routine immunisation for measles has been low for the second round vaccination, which was only 67 percent.
The first dose is given at 18 months while the second vaccine is administered between four and six years.
The campaign which started in November last year had only covered only 33 percent of the estimated 90 percent of children in the country, Dr Makhele said.
He explained that the incubation period of measles ranges between seven and 18 days and patients are infectious from about four days before developing the rash.
He also indicated that mumps is caused by changes in weather conditions and was common during this time of the year as winter approaches.
The disease usually affects glands on each side of the checks and includes swollen salivary glands. It can also affect the brain and in extreme cases, especially in boys, even cause infertility if not treated.
Dr Makhele expressed concern that some parents refuse to have their children vaccinated due to lack of adequate knowledge.
He advised such parents to appreciate the importance of vaccination.
“There is hesitation and reluctance by some people in places like Semonkong and Likotsi in Maseru district to have their children vaccinated,” he said.
Dr Makhele further cautioned about the consequences of not vaccinating, which include pneumonia that may lead to death. Unvaccinated children may also have diarrhoea and ear infection.
“I would like to urge parents to take their children for vaccination. Children who have signs and symptom of measles should be taken to health centres immediately. They should also avoid contact with other children,” he added.
