No fewer than ten children have reportedly died due to suspected measles outbreak in Damangaza community, Lokogoma District, Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Abuja.
This was disclosed by the Head of the Damangaza Community, James Budebo, during a one-day outreach programme on Friday in Abuja.
The programme was organized by Primary Health Care, Damangaza and the Vaccine Network for Disease Control (VNDC), a grassroots organization dedicated to health interventions in underserved communities.
Recall that “measles is a highly contagious viral infection characterized by fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and a distinctive rash.
“It can lead to serious complications such as pneumonia and encephalitis, especially in young children and those with weak immune systems, Daily Post reported.
Speaking at the event, Budebo said vaccination was important in preventing measles and its complications. Hence the need for widespread immunization to protect the community.
Budebo stated that the recent deaths were due to the suspected measles outbreak. He, however, added that there have been challenges to vaccine acceptance within the community.
The CEO of VNDC, Chika Offor maintained that the one-day outreach programme was a crucial to the health crisis in Damangaza.
She stated that the programme was aimed at providing immediate assistance and laying the groundwork for long-term community resilience.
Offor said efforts were on to promote vaccine accessibility. And to provide clear and accurate information to address community concerns and misconceptions.
The CEO maintained that the deaths due to measles were preventable. She, therefore, added that the organization was committed to supporting community dialogue on vaccination and public health measures.
A Health Worker at PHC, Damangaza, Ms Longtang Shawen, said the outbreak exacerbated the community’s ongoing challenges with limited healthcare access.
She, therefore, noted that education was important in empowering the community about vaccine-preventable diseases, sanitation and hygiene.
Shawen stated that vaccination was critical in preventing measles outbreaks, protecting individuals and ensuring community-wide immunity.
She, therefore, urged the residents of the community to accept vaccination to guard against such preventable diseases. And to help protect the vulnerable populations.
The Head of Damangaza Hausawa, Bello Musa, said the Public Health Department, FCT, had been notified of the situation. He stated that the Community had visited the facility two weeks ago.
Responding to the outbreak, the FCT Epidemiologist, Dr. Teresa Nwachukwu, said she would investigate the current situation.
News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, recalls that data from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) revealed that Abia, Anambra, Jigawa, Edo, Lagos and Bauchi accounted for a significant portion of reported measles cases by December 2023.
“As of December 2023, specific States such as Abia (46), Anambra (23), Jigawa (21), Edo (18), Lagos (17), and Bauchi (14). Collectively, accounted for 64.6% of the 215 suspected measles cases reported.
“Among these, 33 cases (15.4%) were confirmed, with no clinically compatible cases. While 43 cases (20%) were discarded and 139 cases (64.6%) were pending classification.
“During the period from January to December 2023, major contributors to the 19,470 suspected measles cases included Borno (7,635), Yobe (1,325), Ogun (611), and Zamfara (601). With Lagos also significant at 563 cases, making up 52.2 per cent of the total.
“Of these suspected cases, 11,433 (58.72%) were confirmed, comprising 1,861 lab-confirmed, 3,120 epi-linked, and 6,452 clinically compatible cases.
“The age group 9 – 59 months accounted for 7,317 (64%) of all confirmed cases.
“A total of 89 deaths (CFR = 1.1%) were reported among confirmed cases. With 8,380 (73%) of these cases being individuals who had not received any measles vaccine (‘zero dose’).
“By December 31, 2023, outbreaks were reported in 8 LGAs across 7 States. Bringing the cumulative number of affected LGAs to 184 across 35 States for the year. With only FCT and Osun States not reporting any confirmed measles outbreaks,” the report stated.
NAN also reported that NCDC data underscore the need for vaccination campaigns and public health interventions. This, it stated is to curb measles outbreaks across Nigeria.
source: NAN
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