Measles in children: Symptoms, risks and prevention — Pajhwok

KABUL (Pajhwok): Officials at Kabul’s Indira Gandhi and Ataturk Children’s Hospitals say 462 confirmed measles cases were recorded at the two facilities over the past seven months, resulting in the deaths of 17 children. They have urged families to ensure their children receive all routine childhood vaccinations and seek medical care promptly if they develop symptoms of the disease. Meanwhile, the World Health Organisation (WHO) said in a recent report that 18,826 suspected measles cases were recorded in Afghanistan between January and the end of August this year. Specialists: Measles poses greatest threat to unvaccinated children Dr Faridullah Omari, an infectious disease specialist and trainer at the National Specialised Infectious Diseases Hospital in Kabul, told Pajhwok Afghan News that measles is an acute, highly contagious viral disease that affects both children and adults. However, he said the disease spreads mainly among unvaccinated children, particularly infants and those suffering from malnutrition. Measles is transmitted through the air and respiratory droplets released when an infected person coughs, sneezes or breathes. Its main symptoms include fever, cough, a runny nose, red and watery eyes, and a skin rash. Omari added that measles can cause complications such as diarrhoea, dehydration, pneumonia, middle-ear infection and inflammation of the brain. In severe cases, it can also lead to death. Vaccination is the most effective way to…