BASSETERRE, St. Kitts, Jan.26.2018 – LOCAL health officials have issued an advisory on the discovery of measles in neighbouring Antigua and Barbuda.
According to the advisory, the Ministry of Health and Environment in Antigua and Barbuda is said to be investigating a case of measles that was recently imported into that territory.
As a result, the Ministry of Health in St. Kitts and Nevis was on Wednesday (Jan.24), advised of the development.
According to the United States Center for Disease Control (CDC), Measles is an acute viral infectious disease, which usually begins with high fever, cough, runny nose (coryza), and red, watery eyes (conjunctivitis).
Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Hazel Laws indicated that measles is a highly contagious vaccine preventable disease that is caused by a virus which is spread through coughing and sneezing.
She recommends parents and guardians ensure that they and their children are adequately immunized against measles.
“The ‘Measles, Mumps and Rubella Vaccine’ (MMR) is currently recommended in the National Immunization programme at 12 months and again at 18 months. If you are not sure of your child’s vaccination status, we recommend that you seek clarification at the nearest Health Centre or from your General Practitioner (GP).”
The CMO statement indicated that the virus is also characterized by skin rash which starts on the face and generally spreads to the rest of the body, including hands and feet. The rash usually develops three (3) to seven (7) days after the first symptoms appear.
In September 2016, the Caribbean and Latin America were declared “Measles free”.
Efforts to contact the CMO to ascertain if any measures would be implemented for persons travelling from Antigua and Barbuda were unsuccessful.
