KZN in measles scare

The province of KwaZulu-Natal is reported to have the highest number of measles cases than any other province in South Africa.
The National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) has confirmed that at least 8 of the 11 districts of the province have been affected.
It is reported that eThekwini has the highest number of measles cases followed by uMgungundlovu.
The quick spread of the virus has led the NICD as well as the provincial department of health to turn to private laboratory networks for superior and efficient diagnostic testing.
The NICD said that they were facing serious problems as some religious groups largely the Muslim jurists are hesitant to accept the vaccination for religious reasons.
“There have been concerns by some religious communities about the presence of porcine (pork) gelatine in the measles vaccine.”
The Communications Practitioner in the Department of Health in KZN Samkelisiwe Khumalo reported earlier this month that vaccination was the only way to prevent measles.
She urged parents in the province to send their children for vaccination and prevent the virus from spreading.
Khumalo concluded that the department will liaise with all affected communities to prevent the virus from spreading to other communities as well.
The Department of health spokesman Sam Mkhwanazi also urged adults who are not sure of their vaccination status to make tests and get the necessary help.

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