Measles outbreak after 17 years

July 5 vaccination targets infants between six and 12 months:

Nadira Gunatilleke

Around 600 measles cases have been reported so far this year. The most affected age group is targeted for the July 5 vaccination programme. The outbreak has been reported after 17 years, Health Services Director General Dr. P.G. Mahipala said. The National Immunisation Day will be on July 5 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in 5,000 state clinics countrywide. Health Ministry officials requested mothers of infants between six and 12 months to get their infants immunised at the nearest clinic.

"Parents must bring their Immunization Card and get the free shot of the additional measles vaccine to protect infants from the measles outbreak," Dr. Mahipala said.

Addressing a press briefing at the Health Ministry Epidemiology Unit yesterday, Dr. Mahipala said mothers who fail to bring their infants to the clinics on July 5 can get their infants vaccinated on July 6, 13, 20 and 27 from an MOH office free of charge.

He said infants who have fever (over 100 C) should not be vaccinated but can be vaccinated on any of the other four days.

All other infants between this age group can be vaccinated on July 5. Measles can cause long term and permanent health problems in infants including severe respiratory problems, pneumonia, blindness, deafness, meningitis etc.

Epidemiology Unit Director Dr. Paba Palihawadana said the main symptoms of measles are similar to any common cold and flu.

A runny nose, red, bloodshot or irritating eyes which are sensitive to light, sore throat, cough, muscle aches etc are the symptoms of measles, she said.