VACCINATION IMPORTANT
DR AALISHA SAHUKHAN:
THERE are now four confirmed cases of measles in Wailali Settlement, Wainadoi.
This was revealed by the Ministry of Health’s head of health protection, Dr Aalisha Sahukhan.
She said the first to be diagnosed was a four-month-old baby from the settlement who was presented at the Navua Hospital with a fever and rashes.
“The mother was then asked if there were any other people in the community who has similar symptoms,” she said.
Dr Sahukhan said their samples were then taken for testing at the national public health lab.
“The same evening we got confirmation that two adults from between the ages of 20 to 25 were confirmed with measles.
“The fourth confirmed case is a six-yearold.”
She said 95 per cent of the Wainadoi subdivision population had been vaccinated.
“Vaccination is very important and we are advising anyone in the Serua/Namosi area to get vaccinated, this is anyone from the age of six months onwards.”
She said every child in Fiji was offered two doses of the measles vaccination before they began school and parents could find out if their children were vaccinated through their child’s birth card.
“If you do not have this card any more, if you are not sure if your child has been vaccinated, visit your nearest health centre.”
“We have increased the doses of vaccine to two since 2003 so we are encouraging parents to ensure that their children have received those two doses.”
She said under Fiji’s immunisation schedule, babies received their first dose of measles vaccine at 12 months.
“The vaccine is not recommended for babies younger than six months this is an international based advice from the WHO.”