Nongpoh, May 26: Following the rapid spread of measles in Bangladesh, where around 60 thousands people have been affected and nearly 500 deaths have reportedly been recorded, with children being the worst affected, the Health Department of Ri Bhoi District through the office of the District Medical and Health Officer (DMHO), has urged residents of Ri Bhoi to remain vigilant and adopt preventive measures to protect themselves from the disease.
Speaking to media persons today, Dr. Alisha J. Syiemlieh, District Surveillance Officer (IDSP), Ri Bhoi District, said that the Health Department, in coordination with the office of the Deputy Commissioner, issued the advisory because Ri Bhoi District is connected through National Highway-6, which witnesses heavy movement of people travelling through the region. She also informed that the department has detected a few children who have already been affected by measles.
Dr. Syiemlieh stated that, at present, there is no specific cure for measles except preventive vaccination, and therefore appealed to parents to ensure that their children receive the measles vaccine for protection against the disease.
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She further explained that symptoms of measles include high fever, cough, and the appearance of small reddish rashes on the body. She urged that anyone showing such symptoms should immediately report to the nearest healthcare centre for timely medical attention and preventive care.
At the same time, she appealed to parents not to send children showing symptoms to school and to keep them isolated from others, as measles is a highly contagious viral disease that can spread rapidly.
She further urged schools, teachers, and parents that if any child is found displaying symptoms of measles, they should be taken immediately for medical treatment and should not be allowed to mix with other children, as the disease spreads quickly and requires proper preventive measures. Failure to take precautions could even lead to death, she added.
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