Kenya: measles reported

[Gert van der Hoek]

4 cases of measles outbreak reported in Ijara District

Written By:Mac Kemoli/kna , Posted: Mon, Jun 25, 2007


Measles out break has been reported at Elkadere and Jalish locations of Ijara district.

According to the district's public health nurse, Hassan Anshur Kassim, four cases have been reported in Elkadere and one in Jalish location.

Kassim said the cases were made more severe due to the area population's nomadic lifestyle, distance and ignorance.

Kassim noted that following the conflict in Somalia, there has been a lot of movement of people and their livestock along the Kenya-Somali border hence aggravating the situation.

He asked local leaders in Ijara and its environs to assist in sensitizing the residents on matters pertaining to health.

He appealed to parents to take their children under five years with symptoms of measles to hospitals.

http://www.kbc.co.ke/story.asp?ID=43402

 

[Gert van der Hoek]

Re: Kenya: measles reported

Kenya: Children Die of Measles

The Nation (Nairobi)

23 July 2007


Two children have died of measles in West Pokot District.

Twenty three others were admitted to Ortum Mission Hospital at the weekend.

More than 100 children have contracted the disease since its outbreak in the area early this month.

Those in hospital are below 10 years and are in an isolation ward.

The disease was first detected in Sekution village, but it has since spread to 13 other villages in Tapach Division.

Blamed parents

Former Sigor MP Christopher Lomada and civic leaders, among them Sondany ward councillor Jacob Yarangole claimed the disease had killed seven children and more than 150 were infected.

But acting West Pokot medical officer of health Daniel Ochuka said only two children had died.

Dr Ochuka blamed parents for not taking their children for treatment. He said three other children were being treated at Ortum Mission Hospital.

Dr Ochuka said Ministry of Health personnel were in the area to assess the situation before a vaccination campaign is launched.

The leaders said Sondany, Chebon and Sina locations in Sogor constituency were the hardest hit.

Spreading fast

They said the disease was spreading fast to neighbouring locations as most residents could not access medical facilities.

They called on the Government and non-governmental organisations to conduct immunisation campaigns.

http://allafrica.com/stories/200707230878.html