2009-10-12: Measles vaccination campaign
THE City of Johannesburg Health Department together with all other districts in the Gauteng Province is embarking on a massive measles immunisation campaign in response to the recent confirmed cases in the Gauteng.
This campaign starts on Monday, 12 October 2009 and will target children from the ages of nine months up to 20 years of age. Health workers will be visiting clinics, schools and crèches throughout the City for immunisation. Consent letters have been sent to all schools in the Province and parents are urged to sign consent for administration of an additional dose Measles vaccine. The administration of an additional dose of Measles will boost the immunity of all children against Measles.
As another measure to ensure that the disease is contained, the Gauteng Health 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.
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 10 to 14 days. Worldwide outbreaks occur within the winter and spring seasons.
The symptoms include: running 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.
In Johannesburg, there have been more than 115 confirmed cases of measles since September 2009. Parents, caregivers, training institutions should all ensure that all children and learners received their additional dose of Measles vaccine.
Any enquiries can be directed to the TOLL FREE NUMBER 0861 364 232 or to the Health Department of the City of Johannesburg at 011 407-6845/29
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
