Karachi:
The Epidemia of measles in the Sindh has reached alarming levels, leading to the death of 17 children and affecting more than 1,100 others in the past two months.
Health experts claim that parental negligence and lack of vaccinations are important factors contributing to the sharp increase in measles.
According to the Department of Health, from January 1 to March 8, more than 1,100 children would have had measles, with 17 deaths allocated to the complications of the disease. In Karachi only, 550 cases were reported. In addition, Khairpur recorded 10 deaths, the East district reported five, while Sukkur and Jacobabad each reported.
Medical experts point out that the main cause of the measles epidemic is parents’ failure to vaccinate their children. Measles is a very contagious viral disease characterized by symptoms such as fever, cough, swollen eyes and rashes. In non -vaccinated children, measles can cause serious complications, including pneumonia, brain swelling and other fatal infections.
The World Health Organization (WHO) declares that most deaths related to measles are caused by complications from pneumonia. The Extended Immunization (EPI) program offers free vaccines to children to nine and fifteen months, which are 100% effective against the virus.
