2024-02-04 15:08:32
A measles epidemic has been raging for several weeks in the town of Kindu, capital of the province of Maniema, in the Democratic Republic of Congo. According to the Congolese Press Agency (ACP), several proven cases of this infectious disease have been recorded in different health structures in the city.
Nestor Mbula, head nurse in a health facility in the region, told the ACP that children aged 6 to 59 months were the most affected by measles. He described the clinical signs of the disease: high fever, generalized rash, cough, runny nose, red eyes and conjunctivitis. He specified that his structure had already recorded five cases of measles in one week.
Faced with this situation, Mr. Mbula invited all parents whose children present these symptoms to take them to the nearest health facilities for appropriate medical treatment. He advised against resorting to traditional therapies which can lead to fatal complications.
Measles is a highly contagious disease that can cause serious and even fatal complications, including pneumonia, encephalitis and severe diarrhea.
According to data from the Congolese Ministry of Health, the number of suspected cases of measles reached 311,500 in 2023, including 5,799 deaths. The country’s 26 provinces are affected by the epidemic. The previous year, in 2022, some 148,638 cases were recorded, with 1,875 deaths.
Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent measles. The WHO recommends two doses of vaccine to ensure optimal protection. However, vaccination coverage remains insufficient in many countries, particularly in Africa.
Chadrack Londe – Maniema
1707061615
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