Published Date: 2010-01-17 12:34:11
Subject: PRO/EAFR> Measles - Botswana: update
Archive Number: 20100117.204972

MEASLES - BOTSWANA: UPDATE
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Date: Fri 15 Jan 2010
Source: MmegiMobile (Botswana) [edited]
http://www.mmegi.bw/index.php?sid=1&aid=18&dir=2010/January/Friday15


Measles outbreak: Botswana
--------------------------
The public is informed that the outbreak of measles that was reported
in Botswana on 30 Oct 2009 is still ongoing. The Ministry of Health
has since confirmed more than 150 cases of measles among investigated
suspect cases. Suspected and confirmed cases of measles have been
reported from almost all districts. The most affected group is the
youth between 10 and 20 years old.

Signs and symptoms of measles include high grade fever, headache,
cough, reddish discoloration of the eyes, general body weakness and
skin rash that usually starts from the face. Measles is an infectious
disease and isolation is required for all cases to prevent further spreading.

Mild cases do not require hospitalisation; however, all confirmed and
suspected measles patients should be confined to their homes until
fully recovered. Furthermore, measles patients should avoid close
contact with unimmunised children, immuno-compromised individuals or
those with chronic diseases. The Ministry of Health further advises
that there should be no interruption of the learning process in the schools.

However, the public and schools are urged to be on high alert and
take those individuals with symptoms suggestive of measles to the
nearest health facility and strictly follow advice from health workers.

--
Communicated by:
ProMED-EAFR



[Following the measles outbreak in Botswana, the authorities
responded by conducting a measles and Vitamin A vaccination campaign
in November 2009 targeting children under 5 years. This in addition
to improving routine measles vaccination coverage and periodic
supplementary immunization activities, will go along way in enhancing
community protection against the disease and hence preventing future outbreaks.


A map showing the districts of Botswana can be seen at:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Districts_of_Botswana, and the
HealthMap/ProMED interactive map of Botswana is available at:
http://healthmap.org/r/012P. - Mod.JFW]

See Also

Measles - South Africa: update 20100111.204804
Measles - Zimbabwe 20100108.204737
2009
----
Measles - Zimbabwe (04) 20091229.204535
Measles - Zimbabwe (03) 20091223.204425
Measles - Zimbabwe (02) 20091220.204362
Measles - Zimbabwe: RFI 20091216.204279
Measles, control activities - Africa: 2000-2008 20090925.202675
Measles - Kenya: (Kakuma) 20090914.202050


For additional background information on measles available from
thegeneral ProMED-mail list, the postings below can be found at
http://www.promedmail.org. - Mod.JFW


2009
----
Measles - South Africa (05): (GT) 20091013.3532
Measles - South Africa (04): (GT) 20091002.3435
Measles - Africa (03): South Africa (Johannesburg) 20090929.3399
Measles - Africa (02): control activities, 2001-2008 20090925.3362
Measles - Africa: Namibia, Angola, South Africa 20090903.3105
Measles - South Africa: (GT), alert 20090405.1319
...............................jfw/ejp/be

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