COMBATING MEASLES OUTBREAK IN CALABAR

PRESS RELEASE

09/03/24

OLADIPO DG

Two schools, Navy and Penniel Primary Schools in Calabar, the capital, have confirmed cases of measles. There are also unconfirmed reports of cases in Akpabuyo Local Government Area of the state.

The State Commissioner for Health, Dr Henry Ayuk in a statement issued on Friday, said the State Rapid Response Team was on high alert, and has been deployed to the affected areas to initiate crucial measures to curb the outbreak.

Dr Ayuk added that swift action was being taken with ongoing reactive vaccination for children in the affected local government areas.

Meanwhile, in local government areas without reported cases, the State Primary Healthcare Development Agency is intensifying routine immunization to bolster immunity.

Measles is an acute viral respiratory illness. It is characterized by a prodrome of fever (as high as 105°F) and malaise, cough, coryza, and conjunctivitis -the three “C”s -, a pathognomonic enanthema (Koplik spots) followed by a maculopapular rash. The rash usually appears about 14 days after a Person is exposed.

Parents and caregivers have been urged to actively participate in the routine immunization campaigns, and early reporting of symptoms.