the Ministry of Health strengthens surveillance – TOGOTOPNEWS- Reliable and constructive information in one click

The Ministry of Health and Public Hygiene, through a press release made public this Friday March 8, 2024, announces cases of measles in the districts of Kéran and Oti-Sud.

Investigations indicate the ministry are underway in the community for the research and management of possible cases. Faced with this situation, the Ministry of Health and Public Hygiene indicates that measures have been taken, among other things, to organize research and case management, strengthen epidemiological surveillance and early warning, and raise awareness among the population about preventive measures including routine measles vaccination and what to do when faced with signs of suspicion.

Indeed, measles is a very contagious and serious viral infectious disease that mainly affects children. It is transmitted by inhalation of droplets of secretions (nasal or pharyngeal) emitted by an infected person. It very often manifests itself with high fever, rhinorrhea (runny nose), red eyes and a rash. Measles is a vaccine-preventable disease. The measles vaccine is safe, effective, and remains the primary means of prevention against measles.

The Ministry of Health and Public Hygiene invites populations to be more vigilant, and to adopt the following behaviors to avoid contracting this disease, in particular adhering to routine and free preventive anti-measles vaccination for children as established by the Expanded Vaccination Program (EPI), adopt the basic principles of good hygiene, wash your hands regularly and carefully with a hydroalcoholic solution or with soap and water, avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth, cover your mouth and nose with the crook of your elbow or with a tissue when coughing or sneezing, clean and disinfect surfaces frequently, especially those that are touched regularly.

“If a person shows the signs, take them immediately to the nearest health center for appropriate care. The sooner the patient is treated, the more likely he or she will be cured,” the statement said.

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