Since October 2022, the Northern Region has recorded over 70 positive cases of measles among children, and the situation is deteriorating.
The measles vaccine is currently unavailable in the region.
So far, the cases have been identified in four districts: Karaga, Sagnerigu, Tamale, and Gushegu.
Meanwhile, no one has died as a result of the outbreak, but there have been severe cases in which children have been placed on oxygen in some health facilities.
Due to a measles outbreak, the central hospital in Tamale’s Paediatric unit had been closed down sometime last year.
Meanwhile, health officials in the region are remaining tight-lipped about the outbreak. Nonetheless, a release issued by the Regional Health Directorate and addressed to all District Health Directors, sighted by OilCity Radio confirmed measles cases.
“Given the current season, which presents one of the greatest risks for the transmission of measles, Districts Health Directorates and Facilities (both public and private) are urged to intensify surveillance on measles and other diseases of epidemic potential for prompt action should they occur.
“Districts and facilities are kindly requested to conduct prompt investigations and collect blood samples for laboratory confirmation. You are also expected to continue to intensify public education on the prevention of measles and other epidemic-prone diseases.”
The memo continued “All MM/DDHS must ensure that their epidemic preparedness and response (EPR) plans for measles are updated accordingly and copies submitted to the Regional Health Directorate through the Disease Surveillance Unit on or before Friday, February 10, 2023.”
Checks in the region reveal that only two of the thirteen (13) vaccines for routine immunization, Tetanus, and Tuberculosis, are currently in stock.
Children are at risk of severe illness and disability due to diseases such as measles and pneumonia, among others.
Measles, according to research, is a viral infection caused by the Rubella virus that is spread through direct contact and air. It has the potential to cause blindness, brain inflammation, flu, and death, particularly in children under the age of 14.
As a result, routine measles vaccination has been recommended for children between the ages of 12 and 15 months.
