Twic health department probe suspected measles cases

Health officials in Twic County are looking into a possible outbreak of measles cases in Majak-Aher Internally Displaced person camp in Turalei Payam, Warrap state.

This is after 5 children were reportedly diagnosed of the suspected disease last week.

It is said the children showed signs of measles.

Measles is an acute viral respiratory illness.  It is a highly contagious infectious disease caused by the measles virus. Measles symptoms appear 7 to 14 days after contact with the virus and typically include high fever, cough, runny nose, and watery eyes.

The affected children were given antibiotics and later discharged from Mother Tereza hospital and Mayen Abun MSF healthcare center.

Dr. Amos Yak Ring, Twic County Health Director said samples of the five cases have been taken to Juba for examination.

”The children were diagnosed with suspected measles and we are working on this issue as the health department and MSF to make sure that children get vaccination against measles,” he stated.

Dr. Yak advised the community to report any suspected case of measles to the nearest health facility for immediate medical attention.

Measles disease is often spread through the air by respiratory droplets produced from coughing or sneezing.

The County Health Department and Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) plans to carry out a mass measles.