Healthcare providers in Sokoto State are calling on parents to vaccinate their children against measles by the age of nine months to prevent the spread of this potentially deadly disease.
During a visit to local clinics by ASHENEWS, health experts identified timely vaccination as the best defence against measles, a highly contagious virus that can cause severe complications if left untreated.
Measles, also known as rubeola, is a viral infection that primarily affects children and can be fatal in severe cases.
The virus spreads easily and causes symptoms like high fever, a runny nose, cough, inflamed eyes, and a distinct red rash that begins on the face before spreading across the body.
Based on data, the rash begins about 7–18 days after exposure, usually on the face and upper neck. It spreads over about 3 days, eventually to the hands and feet. It usually lasts 5–6 days before fading.
Also, most deaths from measles occur due to complications which include severe breathing problems including pneumonia, severe diarrhoea and related dehydration, and potential brain damage arising from an infection caused by brain swelling.
Additionally, measles could also lead to blindness.
Why vaccination is important
Between 2000 and 2022, the WHO and its partners say they were able to prevent an estimated 57 million deaths globally through accelerated immunisation activities.
Vaccination efforts also helped in reducing measles deaths from 761,000 in 2000 to 136,000 in 2022. The large majority of these deaths were accounted for by under-vaccinated children under the age of five.
Speaking with ASHENEWS, Mariam Bala, a health worker at Gidan Dahala Primary Health Care in Mabera, Sokoto, emphasized the need for early measles vaccination.
“We administer the first dose of the measles vaccine at 9 months and a second dose at 12 months. Together, these vaccines protect children from birth until the age of 5,” she explained.
Mariam went on to describe how the vaccine is stored and monitored for quality.
“The measles vaccine comes in a kit for four children, and we carefully check for any signs that the vaccine might be spoiling. We see about 31 children each week for vaccinations, and we encourage parents to bring their children in at 9 months. Without the vaccine, measles can appear as early as 10 months, but with it, the child is protected.”
Symptoms and treatment
The symptoms of measles include fever, a dry cough, runny nose, inflamed eyes, and tiny white spots inside the mouth known as Koplik’s spots. The telltale rash starts on the face and spreads to the chest, back, and feet.
While measles has no specific antiviral treatment, doctors can manage symptoms to help the child recover. Ensuring children receive their vaccinations, however, remains the best way to prevent infection.
A closer look at measles spread and contagion
Dr. Tuju Umar from Medisuite Specialist Hospital explained how quickly communicable diseases like measles can spread, especially through close contact.
“Measles is one of the most contagious diseases, transmitted through droplets from an infected person’s cough or sneeze. The virus can linger in the air for up to an hour and survive on surfaces for several hours,” he said.
Dr. Umar emphasized the importance of early vaccination to protect children and limit the spread of the virus.
“Approximately 90% of unvaccinated people will contract measles if exposed to the virus, so it’s critical for parents to ensure their children are vaccinated on time.”
Healthcare challenges and efforts in Sokoto
Dr. Audu Abdullahi from Iffah Hospital mentioned that his clinic receives about four to five measles cases each week, with patients recovering quickly after treatment. However, he noted that measles isn’t the only threat.
“Other communicable diseases like tuberculosis, HIV, and hepatitis also pose significant health challenges in our communities, particularly in low-income areas.”
Similarly, Dr Fahad Lawal from Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital pointed out that access to clean water, sanitation, and adequate housing are factors that contribute to the spread of communicable diseases, making it even more important to focus on prevention.
A call for action
The doctors and healthcare workers across Sokoto are united in their message: early vaccination is essential to protect children from measles.
Dr. Okezaie Emmanuel from Victory Hospital highlighted the broader social and economic impact of measles and other infectious diseases. “Beyond the immediate health risks, these diseases can devastate families and communities, creating a cycle of poverty and illness. Vaccination is one of the most effective ways to break this cycle.”
With measles remaining a significant health concern, Sokoto’s healthcare providers are working tirelessly to raise awareness about the importance of timely vaccination.
The WHO equally suggests the strengthening of immunisation efforts within primary healthcare centres.
Per its guidelines, children should receive two doses of the vaccine to ensure they are immune.
“The first dose is usually given at 9 months of age in countries where measles is common and 12–15 months in other countries. A second dose should be given later in childhood, usually at 15–18 months.
“Countries should also implement robust surveillance systems to identify and close immunity gaps.
“The COVID-19 pandemic led to setbacks in surveillance and immunization efforts. The suspension of immunization services and declines in immunization rates and surveillance across the globe left millions of children vulnerable to preventable diseases like measles.
“No country is exempt from measles, and areas with low immunization encourage the virus to circulate, increasing the likelihood of outbreaks and putting all unvaccinated children at risk.
“We must regain progress and achieve regional measles elimination targets, despite the COVID-19 pandemic.”
By vaccinating children at nine months, parents can safeguard their little ones from a potentially deadly disease and help build healthier communities.
