At least 31 children have been killed in a measles outbreak in South Sudan. Nearly 2,500 cases have been recorded nationwide, according to the Director General of Preventive Health Services. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), measles is one of the leading causes of death in children worldwide.
The disease has been spreading rapidly in South Sudan since early December. Last year there were several outbreaks of measles in the East African country, which is home to some eleven million people. Vaccination coverage is insufficient, says Isaac Rumunu, director general of preventive health services. “The last measles vaccine nationwide was in 2020 with 85 percent coverage, less than the required 95 percent.”
Armed conflict puts pressure on the health system
Vaccination campaigns were mainly limited by armed conflict and the corona pandemic. The number of measles cases has risen sharply worldwide this year. Armed conflicts and wars, such as in Ukraine, contribute to this. Children on the run are hardly vaccinated and often live close to other people. Relatively few cases of measles are reported in Austria: last year there were one, according to the Ministry of Social Affairs there will be 25 in 2020. Vaccination is mandatory in Germany.
Measles is transmitted by droplets from coughing, sneezing and speaking. The first symptoms are similar to flu or a cold, followed by the typical skin rash. Possible complications are otitis media and pneumonia, in severe cases it can even lead to encephalitis. Malnutrition and malnutrition can increase the risk of death from infection.
Source: Krone
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