Bauchi records 507 suspected cases of measles in 10 months, says WHO

The World Health Organisation (WHO) on Monday said 507 suspected cases of measles were reported from the 20 local government areas of Bauchi State between January and October 2017.

The organisation’s Measles Consultant, Dr Bezu Beshir, made the disclosure at the 2017 sensitisation meeting on measles campaign with journalists in Bauchi.

He said “507 suspected cases were reported, 162 specimen collected and 56 patients tested positive of the virus.

“Strategies to reduce the burden of the disease include quality immunisation, supplementary routine, effective surveillance and case management.”

The state’s Health Educator, Mr Ribado Jibrin, said the 2017 measles campaign would be done in phases to ensure that the 1.7 million eligible children were effectively captured.

He said “Bauchi State will conduct measles campaign in two phases to capture eligible children from nine to 59 months.

“The first phase will hold between Nov. 30 and Dec. 5 in Alkaleri, Bauchi, Bogoro, Darazo, Dass and Giade, Jamaáre, Kirfi, Tafawa Balewa, Toro and Warji.

“The second phase, to hold on a date to be given later, will take place in Dambam, Gamawa, Ganjuwa, Itas Gadau, Katagum,Misau and Ningi local governments.

Earlier, the state’s Immunisation Officer, Mr Bakoji Ahmed, said that the campaign was split into phases to ensure that the expected target was achieved.

He said “our target is to have 97 per cent coverage in the state and 98 per cent at the local governments and 100 per cent coverage at ward level.”