To prevent measles infection, Nigerians must embrace good hygiene and nutrition practices and also get vaccinated against the health condition, health experts have said.
According to the experts, while most people develop immunity after a measles infection and are thus not likely to contract it again in the future, getting vaccinated and practising good hygiene remain crucial to preventing measles.
They averred that the body’s immunity can be strengthened from contracting measles through basic hygiene and vaccination.
They also said that a well-balanced diet could help reduce the incidence of measles in the body.
Measles is a viral infection that spreads through the air by respiratory droplets produced from coughing or sneezing. Measles symptoms include cough, inflamed eyes, runny nose, sore throat, fever, and a red, blotchy skin rash.
While the condition affects adults and children, it’s often very serious for small children.
Speaking with our correspondent, the experts, UK-based Attending Family Health Physician, Dr. Abdulmaleek Sado, and a Lagos-based Nurse, Abigail Adekunle said measles can be dangerous and even fatal with long-lasting complications arising from it if not promptly and properly treated.
Speaking with HealthWise, Dr. Sado listed diarrhoea and vomiting as some of the symptoms of measles.
He said: “Most people develop lifelong immunity after measles infection and would not get it again in the future. The immune system can, however, be strengthened from contracting measles mainly through vaccination and basic hygiene.
“A well-balanced diet and adequate nutrition help to boost the immune system and reduce the risk of complications from measles. People who have not been vaccinated, children less than five years and adults above 20 years, and poor nutritional status are some of the risk factors for complications from measles some of which include pneumonia and meningoencephalitis.”
When asked if there was a way to test for immunity against measles, Dr. Sado said, “Yes, one can do a blood test to check for the level of IgG antibody to measles. This is likely to be positive if one has previously been infected or has been vaccinated but would suggest immunity to measles”
He also stressed that measles can result in serious complications.
“Complications include diarrhoea and vomiting which can cause dehydration and mortality, especially in children under five years of age. Others include pneumonia, encephalitis, bronchitis, ear infection (otitis media), meningitis, blindness, seizures, etc,” he said.
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