Measles outbreak in Bintulu, preventive measures being taken

KUCHING: There is a measles outbreak in Bintulu division with 48 cases reported since April 13 as of Mau 21 in eight affected eight areas including housing areas, workers quarters at a sawmill and kindergarten

Among those affected were 20 children aged seven years old and below.

Sarawak Health Director Dr Jamilah Hashim in confirming the cases after lab tests said the main reason for the outbreak was the failure of patients to be vaccinated against the disease. “Of the 48 cases confirmed so far, 43 cases or 89.58 percent have not received vaccination because they are aged less than six months, six cases or 13.9 percent never received vaccination, while the other 25 cases or 58.1 percent had unknown immunisation status,” she said in a statement issued yesterday.

It cannot be confirmed if the parents of the affected children had neglected or refused to get them vaccinated.

Measles is a contagious disease which can be prevented with vaccine shots.

Under the Children National Immunisation Programme, two doses of Measles-MumpsRubella (MMR) vaccine shots are given to children aged 9 months to 12 months.

Dr Jamilah also said a kindergarten had been ordered to close for a week after some its pupils came down with measles. The kindergarten has reopened last Monday.

On control and preventive measures, she said the department staff had been ordered to identify those who had been in contact with the patients but yet to receive vaccination and children who had missed out on vaccination and vaccinate them.

She also said disinfection is being carried out at the patients' home, place of work and education premises. The department can also order the education premises to be close if the need arises.

“So far, we have checked on 22,414 persons and 675 of them have been given vaccine shots.

“We also advise those showing measles symptoms such as fever, rash, cough, flu or conjunctivitis to immediately seek medical attention at the nearest clinic or hospital. “Early detection and treatment is vital in preventing the spread of this disease, and allow the patient to avoid suffering complications,” she said.