MEASLES cases have risen over 200 in Honiara and Guadalcanal, health authorities say Thursday.
“Parents need to act quickly and vaccinate their children aged six months to four years and 11 months against this potentially deadly disease,” the Ministry of Health, World Health Organisation, and UNICEF have warned.
“Unvaccinated young children are the most at risk to ‘catching’ measles,” they said.
“These children are more likely to suffer serious complications such as pneumonia or severe diarrhoea, and die from the diseas.
“Parents need to act quickly and protect their children from measles.
“The best way of doing this is by taking them to a local health clinic for a measles vaccination.
“The vaccine is safe, effective, and free.
“It will prevent their children ‘catching’ the disease,” Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health Dr Lester Ross said.
“It is also important that parents remember to take their child’s baby book so that they can keep a record of their child’s vaccinations,” Dr Ross added.
Measles is a highly infectious disease that is transmitted through droplets from the nose, mouth or throat of an infected person.
Symptoms include high fever, runny nose, red eyes, and a rash on the face and body.
There is no treatment for measles, only medication to relieve the symptoms.
By JOY BUAOKA
