The Measles Outbreak in Africa

THE MEASLES EPIDEMIC IN AFRICA

In Africa, eight times as many people caught measles in January, February and March of this year compared to last year. A 700% increase.
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is one of the worst affected countries.

THE CURRENT SITUATION IN THE DRC

There is currently a measles epidemic in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
In one week, from 1st – 7th April 2019 there were 5105 cases including 75 deaths. And since the beginning of this year over 56,000 cases, including 1,000 deaths have been reported.

Thsopo, Lualaba, and Haut Lomami are the worst affected, but the epidemic is affecting 23 provinces across the country.

WHAT IS MEASLES?

Measles is a disease caused by a virus. It can lead to serious illness, including diarrhoea, dehydration, ear infection, pneumonia, blindness, brain swelling – and even death.
Measles is particularly dangerous for young children, the elderly, and people with HIV/AIDS. 

It is highly infectious. This means it spreads between people very easily. If ten people who are not immune to measles live with one person who is infected with measles, nine of those ten people will catch the disease.

DOES THE MEASLES VACCINE WORK?

Yes. The measles vaccine is very effective. But, because measles is so infectious, over 95% of people in a community need to be vaccinated to stop outbreaks.

Unfortunately in the DRC many people are not vaccinated. In 2017 the World Health Organisation estimated that only 80% of children who should have received the vaccine actually had it.
There are many reasons for this. People who live in remote rural areas may miss out on vaccination campaigns. Also, there are rumours spread on social media that the measles vaccination is dangerous. This is not true. The measles vaccine is very safe, and much safer than getting measles!

THE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF MEASLES

·       Sneezing
·       Runny nose
·       Coughing
·       High temperature
·       Sore throat
·       Sore, red eyes
·       Grey or white spots on the insides of the cheeks
·       Red, patchy rash on the skin which gradually spreads over the body

As you can see, lots of the signs of measles look like any other cold. The main difference with measles is the red patchy rash.

If you think you, or someone you care for, has measles, it is very important to get them to a doctor as soon as possible. And you should try to limit contact with them if you have not been vaccinated, to avoid becoming infected yourself.

WHAT CAN I DO TO PROTECT MY FAMILY AND PREVENT FURTHER MEASLES OUTBREAKS?

Measles outbreaks can be prevented by vaccination. Vaccination is where a doctor injects a healthy person with a safe amount of a disease so that their body can build up a natural resistance. This prevents them getting the disease in future.

Vaccines are often given to children, because their natural resistance is still developing, and this keeps them safe into adulthood. If more than 95% of the people in a region are vaccinated, the remaining 5% are less likely to be harmed because the disease can’t spread as easily. It is really important that as many people as possible are vaccinated as possible, as this reduces the chance of major outbreak or epidemic.

Medecins sans Frontieres (MSF) is offering free measles vaccines and Vitamin A supplementation in many medical centres and mobile units around the affected provinces.

AILIDH FINLAYSON

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