A few days after recording cases of measles in the Souss region, the Ministry of Health and Social Protection announced the launch of an extensive national campaign to boost vaccination against this disease.
This campaign is part of the ministry’s communication strategy aimed at monitoring the epidemiological evolution of measles.
A press release revealed that this campaign is part of the ministry’s constant efforts to contain the spread of epidemic diseases and protect public health, noting that the ministry has detected new cases of measles in Morocco, suggesting a wider spread of the virus.
In this regard, the Ministry “strongly encourages all families, particularly parents and guardians, to promptly examine the medical records of their children in health centers and private practices” in order to guarantee the administration of the doses required to prevent measles.
The ministry also stressed the need to “administer two doses of vaccine to children not yet vaccinated, while supplementing the doses for those who have only received one dose.”
Measles is a highly contagious viral disease, which affects mostly children. It is transmitted via droplets from the nose, mouth, or throat of infected persons. Initial symptoms, which usually appear 10-12 days after infection, include high fever, runny nose, bloodshot eyes, and tiny white spots on the inside of the mouth. Several days later, a rash develops, starting on the face and upper neck and gradually spreading downwards.
There is no specific treatment for measles and most people recover within 2-3 weeks. However, particularly in malnourished children and people with reduced immunity, measles can cause serious complications, including blindness, encephalitis, severe diarrhea, ear infections, and pneumonia. Measles can be prevented by immunization.
