28 Mar 2023

 Thirteen cases of measles and one of rubella (German measles) have been detected in Botswana

According to a Ministry of Health press release,  the cases have been reported in Greater Gaborone DHMT, Kweneng DHMT, Greater Francistown DHMT, Tutume DHMT, Serowe/Palapye DHMT and Greater Selebi Phikwe DHMT.

It says rapid response teams have been put in place to investigate, manage and conduct contact tracing of confirmed cases.

“Measles is a viral respiratory disease that is transmitted by air when an infected person coughs or sneezes and can be contracted at any age.  It is a vaccine preventable disease which can be deadly, particularly for children who have missed routine childhood immunisations,” says the release.

The release states that the main symptoms include fever and rash but other people may also experience runny nose, cough, red and watery eyes and white sores in the mouth.      

“Serious complications are more common in unvaccinated and immuno-compromised children. The most serious complications include blindness, encephalitis (an infection that causes brain swelling), severe diarrhoea and related dehydration as well as ear infection or severe respiratory infections such as pneumonia,” states the release.

It advises members of the public to adhere to best hygiene practices as a precautionary measure and not to panic but remain vigilant since all processes are in place to detect and control the spread of the disease.

The ministry assures members of the public that it has a strong surveillance system in place which is not only capable of quickly detecting and investigating any suspected case of measles but many other diseases as well. 

Anyone feeling unwell is advised to visit the nearest health facility for medical attention. Ends