Measles and polio immunisation campaign to start in full force

12 April 2010

South Africa is currently experiencing a measles outbreak in various
provinces including KwaZulu-Natal. At this stage, KwaZulu-Natal has 1
238 confirmed measles cases as of October 2009.

The disease outbreak is affecting all the districts except ILembe and
Ugu. In response to the current outbreak, the Department of Health has
put in place district outbreak response teams to educate, trace contacts
and identify cases.

Today, 12 April, the department starts a thorough mass immunisation
campaign targeting all children between the ages of six months to 15
years against measles and polio from 0 – 59 months. The first round of
the campaign will start from 12 April to 23 April 2010. The second round
will be from 24 to 28 May 2010 and will include vitamin A and deworming
of children. The aim is to immunise close to 3,1 million children in
KwaZulu-Natal.

"To be effective, the campaign must reach 100% coverage within this
short period. We want to: ensure that child deaths from infectious
diseases are at an all-time low; polio should be eradicated, and measles
eliminated throughout the province; and we will remain hopeful that new
vaccines will be available to combat malaria, tuberculosis, AIDS, and
other diseases," says the MEC for Health, Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo.

Measles is a highly contagious, serious disease caused by a virus. The
first sign of measles is usually a high fever, which begins about 10 to
12 days after exposure to the virus, and lasts four to seven days. A
runny nose, a cough, red and watery eyes, and small white spots inside
the cheeks can develop in the initial stage. After several days, a rash
erupts, usually on the face and upper neck. Over about three days, the
rash spreads, eventually reaching the hands and feet. The rash lasts for
five to six days, and then fades. On average, the rash occurs 14 days
after exposure to the virus (within a range of seven to 18 days).

We are making a passionate plea to the community to make sure that all
children between the ages of 0 months and 15 years are brought through
to the nearest clinic during the April and Mary. The cause of the
current outbreak is unknown, and therefore every child in these age
groups is considered at risk.

Issued by: Department of Health, KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government
12 April 2010