The Rivers State Ministry of Health has reminded parents and caregivers about the dangers of measles and rubella, two highly contagious viral diseases that can pose serious health risks, particularly to children and pregnant women.
Measles, an airborne disease caused by a virus in the Morbillivirus genus, typically begins with high fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and a skin rash, and can lead to severe illness if left untreated.
Rubella, though often mild in children, can have devastating effects on unborn babies if a pregnant woman becomes infected, including miscarriage or serious birth defects.
The Ministry emphasized that both diseases are preventable and urged parents to take advantage of the free vaccination exercise, which runs from 4th to 15th February. Vaccination remains the safest and most effective way to protect children, safeguard pregnancies, and reduce the spread of these illnesses in communities.
Parents and caregivers are encouraged to ensure their children are vaccinated within the period.
