Authority confirms three measles cases

 THREE cases of measles in West Sepik have been  confirmed by the  Central Public Health Laboratory. 

A statement from the laboratory yesterday said samples taken from three children were sent to the lab and was confirmed positive last Thursday.

“The three affected male children were from two villages in the Vanimo Green District. There were 9 years, 8 years and  21 months old. 

“This is the first measles case confirmed in PNG since the last outbreak in 2005,” the lab said.  

 “At this time there is no information on the vaccination status of these cases or any associated travel history or contacts.” 

Health Secretary Pascoe Kase has issued an instruction to all health institutions informing them of the three cases in West Sepik.

“All health facilities in the country have been put on alert and instructed to investigate (any) patient reporting with fever and rash, and collect blood sample and throat swab to confirm for measles,” Kase said.

 “An outbreak response plan has been formulated in collaboration with Sandaun provincial authorities. 

“The plan is to vaccinate people aged between six and 59 months in Sandaun and parts of East Sepik with measles vaccine.”