ReliefWeb

Rafiullah Mandokhail

ZHOB: At least seven cases of measles have been reported in far-flung mountainous areas Lagharai Bayanzai and Zharbazhai Sherani – lacking health facilities. Hajra, Rehmatullah, Asia, Abida, Abdul Khaliq and Bibi are suffering from the disease for few days.

The area people alleged that the entire focus of the government and Health department was on the anti-polio campaign, while no measures were being taken to prevent other viral diseases.

“The poor quality and ailing routine vaccination program are the factors in the surge of measles cases. The recent cases indicate that the measles surveillance system is not up to the mark”, said an official who wished not be named.

Meanwhile, District Health Officer Dr. Arif Shah has told reporters that medical teams have been dispatched to the affected areas on emergency basis and all necessary measures would take place to cope with the situation and immunize the children.

“Anti-measles vaccination drive has been completed in Shin Ghar, Kapip, Ahmedi Darga, Mughal Kot and Dhana Sar areas”, DHO said, adding routine immunization for children was highly effective in preventing measles.

“Despite the scattered population, we leave no stone unturned to immunize children against the infectious disease” he added.

The bordering districts have been witnessing a significant increase in the number of children affected by measles in recent months. In December, nine children suffering from measles in different areas of Murgha Kibzai Zhob had lost their lives.

It is worth mentioning that measles is a respiratory infection caused by a virus that can spread through contact with droplets from the nose, mouth or throat of an infected person. Sneezing and coughing can release contaminated droplets into the air. Children who suffer from measles may experience complications including pneumonia, blindness, deafness, ear infection and diarrhea.