by: Sakina Ahmed
Adamawa State Ministry of Health, in partnership with the World Health Organization (WHO), has organized a roundtable media engagement to address measles outbreak in the state.
According to the state Epidemiologist, Dr. Kadabiu Jones, there have been 818 reported cases of measles in Adamawa state since January, 2024, with 183 confirmed cases affecting children aged 1 to 14 years old, particularly those who were unvaccinated or had incomplete vaccinations.
Tragically, 49 lives have been lost due to the disease across the 21 local government areas of the state.
Dr. Jones also mentioned that the state has activated surveillance for active cases and initiated a reactive vaccination campaign to immunize children aged 0 to 15 years old during the outbreak.
He emphasized the importance of caregivers being vigilant for early symptoms of measles, such as fever, dry cough, runny nose, and sore throat, and urged them to seek medical attention promptly as the disease can only be confirmed through laboratory testing to prevent further spread.
Dr.Ahemen Terseer , the WHO state coordinator, urged journalists to verify information before publication, highlighting the critical role they play in disseminating accurate information that can ultimately save lives.
WHO Communications Focal Point officer in Borno, Adamawa and Yobe states, Mr. Kingsley Igwebuike emphasized that the media engagement was aimed at strengthening collaboration between journalists and public health experts to combat misinformation surrounding the outbreak.
