(MENAFN- Muscat Daily) Muscat- The second phase of the National Measles Immunisation Campaign (NMIC) will be held from September 10-16. It is being held for people in the age group of 20-35 years in all governorates except Al Wusta and Dhofar.
Measles is a highly contagious viral disease, which mostly affects children. Globally, it remains one of the leading causes of death among young children under the age of five. Outbreaks of measles in Europe, America, Asia and Africa have been noticed this year.
Oman has very few cases of measles since 1995. However last year, the national communicable diseases surveillance found increase in the number of measles cases, a total of 114, despite nearly 100 per cent coverage of target population with measles vaccine (MMR), according to a statement issued by the Ministry of Health.
The clusters of measles in 2016 resulted probably due to importation related source of infection. In addition, 89 cases have been reported till August from different governorates.
Measles disease
The symptoms stay for seven to 18 days after exposure. Persons suffering from measles develop fever, runny nose, sore throat and cough. In addition a widespread skin rash is a classic sign of measles. This rash generally appears within the first three to five days of exposure to the virus and can last up to seven days.
Who is at risk?
Unvaccinated young children are at the highest risk
Unvaccinated pregnant women and any others not immune to measles
Measles can lead to life-threatening complications, such as pneumonia and inflammation of the brain (encephalitis). Other complications associated with measles may include: ear infection, bronchitis, miscarriage or preterm labour, decrease in blood platelets, blindness and severe diarrhoea
The vaccine
- The measles vaccine has been in use for over 50 years. The measles vaccine is often incorporated with rubella and mumps vaccines as MMR. Routine measles vaccination is recommended to prevent measles disease. MMR doses are given at 12 months and 18 months of age to all children in Oman.
- It is not recommended for persons suffering from any serious diseases like cancer or immunity deficiency diseases. It is also not recommended for pregnant women.
The campaign Mass measles vaccination campaign is one of the most effective tools for vaccinating any individual. Once susceptibles are vaccinated, chains of transmission of measles disease is expected to be interrupted and therefore cases are expected to reduce.
Oman had experienced large outbreak of measles cases in 1993 when 3,108 cases were reported, following which NMIC was carried out in 1994, which helped in reducing cases in subsequent years.
Why only 20-35 age group?
Most cases in the last two years have been found in the age group of 20-35 years
Findings of research among representative groups in Oman are suggesting immunity levels are less in the age group of 20-35 years
Protecting yourself
Ensure all children are protected by routine measles vaccination at 12 months and 18 months of age through MMR vaccine made available in Oman to citizens and residents. Everyone in the age group of 20-35 (born between 1982 and 1997) will be vaccinated free of cost, from September 10-16, irrespective of previous vaccination status at the nearest healthcare centre.
Preventing the spread
- The infected person should not go to school/work/crowded places during the illness
- Wash hands with soap and water frequently
- Cover the mouth and nose when sneezing and coughing
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