Measles kills two in Wajir County
Children are vaccinated against measles. The disease has claimed two lives in Wajir County. PHOTO | FILE | NATION MEDIA GROUP
What you need to know:
- Eighty-eight cases have so far been recorded in Wajir North, 39 in Wajir West, 11 in Wajir East and one in Tarbaj.
- Measures taken to contain the disease include vaccination.
Two people have died from measles in Wajir County, the health department has said.
Preventive and Promotive Healthcare services deputy director Adam Hassan said on Monday the disease was first detected in Wajir North in September.
Dr Hassan said 88 cases have so far been recorded in Wajir North, 39 in Wajir West, 11 in Wajir East and one in Tarbaj. The worst hit areas are Bute, Danaba and Qarsa Bulla (in Wajir North) and Hadado and Mau mau in Wajir West.
"We have begun carrying out campaigns in various parts of the county to educate the public about the disease in a bid to prevent further spread," he said.
According to the World Health Organisation, measles is extremely contagious and "it remains an important cause of death among young children globally, despite the availability of a safe and effective vaccine".
VACCINATION
It is spread through droplets from the nose, mouth or throat of infected persons. It adds that "initial symptoms, which usually appear 10–12 days after infection, include high fever, a 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."
Measures taken to contain the disease include vaccination.
