PARUN (SW): An outbreak of Measles in Nuristan province has claimed the lives of some 70 children in the past six months, residents and officials told Salam Watandar.
According to the locals, the outbreak has gripped a number of villages in the insecure Kamdesh district. Residents of the district told Salam Watandar on mobile phone that up to 70 children have become prey to Measles in the villages of Merdesh, Kota, Naret and Elgal. They lament that ragging violence which has restricted their access to the centers of vaccinations against this highly contagious infection caused by the measles virus.
Measles is extremely infectious and its continued circulation in a community depends on the generation of susceptible hosts by birth of children. Measles is a highly contagious infection caused by the measles virus. Initial signs and symptoms typically include fever, often greater than 40 °C (104.0 °F), cough, runny nose, and inflamed eyes. The measles vaccine is effective at preventing the disease. Vaccination has resulted in a 75% decrease in deaths from measles between 2000 and 2013 with about 85% of children globally being currently vaccinated.
Dr. Ismail Stanikzai, director for public health in the province, said insecurity in the Kamdesh district is the main reason behind the outbreak of the disease. He confirmed that at least 15 children have died there, and more updated reports have not emerged from the affected area due to the presence of militants there. Dr. Stanikzai added the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) has been informed about the issue, and it is hoped the outbreak would be countered with the help of the local elders.
In a message to Salam Watandar, the Taliban’s spokesman Zabehullah Mujahid noted they do not oppose vaccination in any part of the country.
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