Measles outback hits North West for the second time in 2023

New cases of measles, an acute contagious respiratory illness that causes fever, cough and red eyes have been discovered in the North West region.

The Minister of Public Health, Dr. Manouda Malachie in a note addressed to the North West Regional Delegate of Public Health calls on the general public to be aware of the recent spread of measles disease in the region.

According to the release, three new cases were confirmed at the Bamenda III district hospital during the 27th epidemiological week.

The minister in a note addressed to the regional delegate of public health requested that urgent action should be taken to combat the disease in the region.

“I have the honor to request that you take urgent action in accordance with standard operating procedures for managing the measles Outbreak In strict compliance with COVID-19 barrier measures” the minister said.

Like the COVID-19 virus, measles is an infectious diseases which can be spread easily from one person to another through cough or sneeze.

The measles virus is transmitted through respiratory secretions or airborne droplets from the nose, mouth, or throat of an infected person.

Health Research shows that, the Symptoms usually appear 7 to 14 days after exposure to the virus and include fever, cough, runny nose, red, watery eyes and a rash that starts on the face and spreads to the rest of the body. In severe cases, complications can include pneumonia, blindness, brain damage and death.

This is the second time this year that cases of measles is being reported in the region, after some were reported in January.