By Able Winnard
The Cross River State Ministry of Health has confirmed the outbreak of measles at Navy and Penniel Primary schools in Calabar, the State capital.
A notice from the ministry attributed to the State Health Commissioner, Dr Henry Ayuk, validates the outbreak while stating precautionary measures to contain the outbreak.
The notice reads in parts, “Measles disease is a highly contagious infection, especially among unimmunized children. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to respond positively to routine immunization campaigns for their children.
“However the State Rapid Response Team has been activated and deployed to the affected Local Government Areas by the Commissioner for Health in the State in the person of Dr. Henry Ayuk.
“There is reactive vaccination for children ongoing in the affected LGAs. In LGAs where there are no reported cases, the State Primary Healthcare Development Agency is intensifying routine immunization to build up herd immunity.”
However, the State health commissioner Dr. Henry Ayuk, has also urged that “Symptoms especially rash and coughing in children should be reported early to the nearest health facility and not to engage in self-medication.”