Measles outbreak in Sudan: 900+ cases and over 80% hospitals stop services
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Measles outbreak in Sudan: 900+ cases and over 80% hospitals stop services.
On July 28, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs issued a report on the situation in Sudan, stating that more than 80% of the country’s hospitals have stopped serving .
More than 60 hospitals that are still functioning with the help of humanitarian aid organizations are expected to run out of medical supplies in the next two weeks. Some communicable diseases that were under control before the conflict are breaking out due to the disruption of basic public health services, the report said.
Measles outbreaks are currently occurring in 28 territories in 11 states, with more than 900 cases reported.
The report also pointed out that the armed conflict in Sudan has caused the displacement of more than 3.5 million people, of which nearly 2.7 million people were displaced inside Sudan, and more than 820,000 people fled to neighboring countries for refuge.
Armed clashes between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces broke out in the capital Khartoum and other places on April 15, and the clashes have continued to this day.
What is Measles?
Measles, also known as rubeola, is a highly contagious viral infection caused by the measles virus (MeV).
It primarily affects children, but it can also occur in unvaccinated individuals of any age. Measles spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes, making it extremely contagious.
Symptoms of Measles:
- High fever
- Runny nose
- Cough
- Red, watery eyes (conjunctivitis)
- Tiny white spots with bluish-white centers (Koplik spots) inside the mouth
- Red, raised rash that typically starts on the face and spreads to the rest of the body
The characteristic rash usually appears around 2 to 4 days after the initial symptoms and lasts for several days. During this time, the infected person is most contagious.
Complications:
In most cases, measles is a self-limiting disease, and the body’s immune system can fight off the infection.
However, in some cases, particularly in young children and individuals with weakened immune systems, complications can arise, including:
1. Ear infections
2. Pneumonia
3. Diarrhea
4. Encephalitis (inflammation of the brain)
5. Blindness
6. Severe respiratory issues
Measles can be a serious and sometimes deadly disease, especially in populations with limited access to healthcare or where vaccination rates are low.
Prevention:
The most effective way to prevent measles is through vaccination. The measles vaccine is typically given in combination with mumps and rubella vaccines as the MMR vaccine.
It is recommended that children receive two doses of the MMR vaccine, with the first dose around 12-15 months of age and the second dose around 4-6 years of age.
Vaccination not only protects the individual but also helps create community immunity (herd immunity), reducing the likelihood of outbreaks and protecting those who cannot be vaccinated due to medical reasons.
It’s important to note that as of my last update in September 2021, the information provided here is accurate, but there may have been further developments or changes in recommendations regarding measles.
For the most up-to-date information, it is always best to consult with a healthcare professional or trusted health authority.
(source:internet, reference only)
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Important Note: The information provided is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice.
