Reuters file photo for illustration purposes.
KUCHING: There is now a measles outbreak in Bintulu division, and among the causes cited was that patients had never received anti measles-vaccination.
Sarawak Health Director Dr Jamilah Hashim said that as of May 21, there are already 48 measles cases since April 13 this year.
The cases were confirmed following lab tests.
The outbreak affected eight areas including housing areas, a workers’ quarters at a sawmill and a kindergarten.
Twenty of these cases involved children aged seven years old and below.
“Of the 48 cases confirmed so far, 43 cases or 89.58 percent have not received vaccination because they are aged less than six months, six cases or 13.9 percent never received vaccination, while the other 25 cases or 58.1 percent had unknown immunisation status,” she said in a statement today.
She also said a kindergarten had been ordered to close for a week following measles affecting its pupils. The kindergarten had since reopened on Monday (May 21).
On control and preventive measures, she said the department staff had been ordered to investigate and identify children whom had received vaccination in the affected areas.
Those who had been in contact with the patients but have yet to receive vaccination, and children who had missed out on vaccination, are being given vaccine shots.
She also said disinfection is being carried out at the patients’ homes, workplaces and education premises. The department can also order the education premises to close if the need arises.
“So far, we have checked on 22,414 persons and 675 of them have been given vaccine shots.
“We also advise those showing measles symptoms such as fever, rash, cough, flu or conjunctivitis to immediately seek medical attention at the nearest clinic or hospital.
“Early detection and treatment is vital in preventing the spread of this disease, and allows the patient to avoid suffering complications,” she said.
She also explained measles is a disease that can be prevented with vaccine shots.
Under the Children National Immunisation Programme, two doses of Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR) vaccine shots are given to children aged nine months to 12 months.
Parents are also advised to bring their children to the nearest Klinik Kesihatan Ibu dan Anak (Maternal and Child Health Clinic) to receive the vaccine shots based on this schedule or if they had missed out.