Kase issues measles warning

PAPUA New Guinea should take precaution against the measles outbreak in the Pacific by getting vaccinated, says Health secretary Pascoe Kase.
Kase said Samoa, Tonga, Fiji and Australia had reported cases of measles.
“WHO has reported that there had been 17 measles-related deaths in Samoa,” he said.
In PNG, one case was detected in Madang and another in the National Capital District “but results from the laboratory were negative”.
Measles may occur in remote communities especially in areas where many people are not vaccinated.
Kase said a lot of people would be travelling during the festive season which could contribute to a measles outbreak.
Travellers who are uncertain of their measles vaccination status must receive at least one doze of measles vaccine 15 days prior to travel.
“I appeal to travellers to be responsible for their health,” Kase said.
“If you have recently travelled and have symptoms of measles, consult your health care provider and inform them of your travel history.“
The government will continue to raise awareness on the need to take up routine immunisation services at health facilities amidst the measles epidemic globally and in a
number of neighbouring Pacific countries.”
Kase appealed to parents and caregivers to ensure children are immunised against measles.
If a family member develops high fever, rash, running nose and cough, he or she should immediately contact the nearest health facility.
“While Papua New Guinea has completed a massive measles and rubella campaign in June, we still do have children who were not vaccinated at that time and those that were below six months old then,” Kase said.