Myths prompt measles threat
PORCINE GELATINE ‘A PROBLEM’
An outbreak of measles in KwaZulu-Natal is in danger of escalating because of myths about the effects of vaccinations. Health officials warn that the disease can lead to blindness, brain infection or even death. Mainly children are at risk, but adults can be affected, too.
Last week, 27 cases were confirmed in the province and two in the Ilembe district.
According to the National Institute for Communicable Diseases, many cases were diagnosed among people of the Muslim faith.
The religious concern comes from the fact that the only measles vaccination available in the country – MeasBio (Biovac) – contains porcine gelatine, which comes from collagen in pigs.
Muslim people believe strongly that it is forbidden to consume pork in any form and, to make matters worse, the previous vaccine used for measles, that did not contain pork products, is no longer being manufactured.
But in May, the Islamic Medical Association of South Africa announced its full support of the measles vaccination.
Ballito’s Dr Dinesh Patel said the increase of cases was also due to parents who believed measles vaccinations caused autism.
“That is complete nonsense and is a theory that has been passed on from overseas. The measles virus increases when there is a change of season and is usually on a high around this time of year. Because of their weaker immune systems, children are commonly infected.
“Parents need to be aware that their children are exposed to many germs during the course of the day and this increases their risk of contracting measles, especially if they are not vaccinated.
“People are under the misconception that vaccinations could be damaging. The virus is dangerous to both adults and children.”
Symptoms of measles include fever, rashes, and flu-like signs.
Complications can include lung infections (pneumonia), diarrhoea, dehydration, blindness, brain infection or death. While most adults recover completely from measles, the complications are unpredictable.
The virus is known to be one of the leading causes of death in children worldwide.
According to Patel, another problem that doctors are presently facing is a shortage of vaccinations.
“Medical wholesalers are experiencing a shortage. This should not affect government clinics, but it is a concern for private doctors,” he said. – Caxton News Service