Prevention is better than cure

A measles outbreak in Gauteng is putting everyone on high alert.

In eMalahleni parents are urged to take children under five years for a measles vaccination, regardless of their previous immunisation record, in an effort to cover not only those children who have not received vaccine for some reason, but also the small percentage of children in whom the vaccine does not ‘take’ or work for whatever reason.

“We do not have any reported cases of this outbreak locally,” Sr Mariska Blom from tender Loving Care Baby Clinic said.

Sr Mariska however said measles is caused by the measles virus. It is highly contagious and almost everyone coming into contact with an infectious person will contract the disease, unless they have had measles before or have been vaccinated.

It is very important to realise that 90% of people who have not been vaccinated against measles will get measles if they are in contact with an infected person.
Getting infected is very easy.

When a person who has not been vaccinated is nearby and breathes in droplets that contain the virus, it will rapidly infect the person’s upper airway. The spreading of the disease from person to person is assisted by the fact that a runny nose with sneezing and coughing occurs in the early stages of the illness. A person is infectious from about three days before the rash appears and up to five days after its appearance.

“We are very concerned about the secondary effects of measles. These effects can be very dangerous.”

Sr Mariska emphasised that measles can be serious in all age groups.

Sr Mariska Blom vaccinates Mia van Wyk while mommy Sulani holds her tight.

Complications include diarrhoea, ear infection and pneumonia (infection of the lungs) amongst others.
Many children diagnosed with measles can be treated safely at home, however, in certain situations your doctor will recommend a course of antibiotics.

“The majority of children with measles can be managed at home, with simple remedies such as paracetamol to reduce fever. Nutrition is very important, especially when the child was malnourished beforehand. It may be difficult to get children to eat because of vomiting, herpes mouth ulcers or lack of appetite. High-energy liquid foods and extra vitamins should be given. Additional fluids should be given by mouth when there is diarrhoea.”

She advised mom’s to make this homemade solution that will help against dehydration.

A suitable homemade solution is as follows:

• Half a teaspoon of salt
• Eight level teaspoons of sugar
• One litre of boiled, cooled water
• Dissolve the salt and sugar in the water and give it to the child.

Sr Mariska invites all moms to phone her for advice. She also urged moms to make certain that all their babies’ vaccinations are done.

“If your child is between two and five years old I do recommend mommy bring them for a booster. We can help their little immune systems get in gear to fight this virus.”

You can phone Sr Mariska on 013 697 1847 or 083 346 0311.