Turalei records 17 more measles incidences

The administration of Mother Teresa Hospital says it has recorded 17 more cases of measles in Turalei Payam of Twic, Warrap State.

In July, the hospital registered 35 patients with measles. The latest incidences bring to 52 the total number of cases of measles among children and adults there.

Measles is a highly contagious, serious disease caused by a virus, according to the World Health Organization.

Joseph Aguer Mayom, the clinical officer in the hospital, appealed to the Ministry of Health to carry out mass vaccination against measles in the entire state.

“Almost every day there are reports of measles cases at Mother Teresa Hospital. These children after we identify them are admitted in the hospital,” Aguer told Mayardit FM on Wednesday.

Measles outbreak has also been reported in other areas in the state. Recently, the state of health ministry declared a measles outbreak in Gorial West County after recording 30 cases with two deaths at Kuajok hospital.

This came after 25 samples were taken to Juba for a test and were confirmed positive.

In response, the minister, Dr Barac Malith Atem, said his office was engaging  partners for a general measles vaccination campaign across Warrap.

Before the introduction of the measles vaccine in 1963 and widespread vaccination, major epidemics occurred approximately every 2–3 years and measles caused an estimated 2.6 million deaths each year.