Measles outbreak In Oyo

… kills 1

The Acting Director, Public Health, Oyo State Ministry of Health, Dr Taiwo Ladapo yesterday announced the outbreak of measles in some parts of Ibadan, the state capital.
In a statement in Ibadan, Dr. Ladapo confirmed the death of a child from the disease, which he blamed on the parents failure to seek medical attention when they noticed the child’s condition.
The statement disclosed that , the ministry was first notified of the outbreak on January 11, which prompted the development partners, including the Nigeria Field Epidemiology and Laboratory Training Programme, to move into the area the following day for proper investigation and intervention.
Dr. Ladapo further said that 32 suspected cases of measles were identified in the Hausa community, Sabo, where the index case was, adding that the cases were being managed by health personnel at the Primary Health Care Centre within the community.
“At the time of the visit, only a case of death was confirmed by a woman in the community and that the child died at home without the parents seeking medical attention.
“During the visit, several children were noticed to have symptoms suggestive of measles and as such blood samples were taken from five children and sent for laboratory confirmation at the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research in Lagos.
He said health officials from the state Ministry of Health, World Health organization, University College Hospital and other development partners had intervened in the measles outbreak recorded.
He called on members of the public to collaborate with the health personnel by promptly reporting any suspected case of measles or outbreak of other contagious diseases through telephone numbers 08023229267, 08038210122 and 08025245809.