Measles 2020

Four confirmed measles cases in PNG

This is as per the National Department of Health’s update report.

The four confirmed cases of measles are from three provinces; that is one each from Gulf and New Ireland provinces and two from the National Capital District.

According to the update, there have been no secondary cases identified to date that are linked to these solitary and unrelated cases. All cases have no travel history outside their residential areas.

These measles cases were detected using the disease surveillance system of the country and confirmed by the Central Public Health Laboratory.

Be aware of measles

Importantly they must seek medical assistance as soon as symptoms are detected.  

The National Department of Health explained that the measles virus is transmitted during sneezing or coughing by infected people through droplets. The symptoms being high fever, red eyes, rash, runny nose and cough, may start within 7–21 days after exposure to the virus.

All parents are urged to ensure their children have received the routine immunisation doses for measles: first dose at 6 months, second dose at 9 months and third dose at 18 months.

Confirmed measles case in POM settlement

The baby was taken to the Port Moresby General Hospital where a sample was taken and tested over the weekend, which came back positive.

The NCDC health services have been alerted and are responding to that area.

National Department of Health surveillance and emergency program manager Berry Ropa said they have visited the area already on Monday.

“They’ve done awareness and the team was there to find more cases – if there are more – and secondly to vaccinate the children who are due for vaccination,” stated Ropa.