2009-09-29: Measles alert
THE City of Johannesburg Health Department would like to alert all members of the public, about an outbreak of measles occurring citywide.
Since the beginning of September 2009, 48 measles cases have been reported in Johannesburg. All the regions in the City are affected by the outbreak. (From January to August 2009 there were 11 cases of confirmed measles reported). In Johannesburg the outbreak is occurring amongst children and adults, especially teenagers. Some of the persons affected had one or two doses of measles vaccine, meaning all persons are at risk of contracting measles.
Any person with fever, rash and any of the one of the following symptoms running nose, red infected eyes or cough should be investigated for measles.
Measles is a serious disease that can cause blindness, deafness, brain damage, pneumonia and even death. Measles can affect anyone, including adults. All cases of suspected measles must be reported to the Health department as failure to control the spread of measles will result in unnecessary suffering and even death. The Health Department will respond by immunising all identified contacts at home, school and at the workplace. Contacts of all ages will be given measles vaccine. The vaccine must be administered to the contacts as soon as possible after exposure to be effective.
Measles vaccine offers protection from this serious illness. Although the first measles vaccination given at 9 months protects infants, immunity acquired is not optimal due to the presence of maternal antibodies. The second dose administered at 18 months of age, provides another chance to protect the children against measles, especially for those children who did not respond to the first dose of the vaccine. About 1 of every 10 children does not respond to the first dose of vaccine. The second dose also serves as a booster to increase antibody levels in those with low antibody levels. After the second dose, 99% of children are protected against measles. Additional doses, such as doses given during national campaigns, improve immunity against the disease.
Parents who have younger children who are not attending school should please ensure that these children are fully immunised. If you are not certain that your child is fully immunised, Please visit your local clinic.
The Health Department is requesting the public, especially medical personnel, traditional healers, training institutions to report all cases of suspected measles.
Issued by:
City of Johannesburg Health Department
For further enquiries please contact:
Nkosinathi Nkabinde
Communication Specialist
City of Johannesburg Health Department
Tel: (011) 407 – 6477
Cell: 083 408 7787
E-mail: nkosinathin@joburg.org.za
