Muscat, July 15 - The second phase of the campaign for immunisation against measles will be launched in September this year.
According to the Ministry of Health, the decision was taken following the success of first phase of vaccination in Dhofar and Al Wusta governorates in May last.
“Starting September 10 to continue for a week, the second phase of the National Measles Immunisation Campaign will target most of other areas in the country,” said a ministry official.
A meeting to review activities during the first phase was held under Dr Mohammed bin Saif al Hosni, Undersecretary for Health Affairs, and other senior officials from the ministry.
During the campaign, vaccination for measles, rubella and mumps will be administered to all residents and citizens between the ages 20 and 35.
The national campaign was initiated by Dr Ahmed bin Mohammed al Saidi, Minister of Health, following reports of confirmed 114 measles cases in 2016 and 44 in the beginning of this year.
Measles, also called rubeola, is a highly contagious respiratory infection caused by a virus. It causes a total-body skin rash and flu-like symptoms, including fever, cough and runny nose.
An infected person can release the infection into the air when he coughs or sneezes.
Treatment of measles is essentially supportive care with maintenance of good hydration and replacement of fluids lost through diarrhoea or emesis.
According to the World Health Organization, the Sultanate has a low incidence rate for measles, which has reached almost ‘zero local case’.
The official said, “The recent outbreak has resulted due to frequent movement of people from countries which have experienced high incidence of communicable diseases, including measles.”
He said many strategies and activities, including surveillance and preventive measures, have been taken to control the disease.
“The first phase of the campaign has been successful thanks to the cooperation between the health workers, and the citizens and residents,” said the official.
SAMUEL KUTTY
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