Huambo - At least 227,000 children under the age of five living in the municipality of Huambo will be vaccinated against measles starting on February 17, the local health director Miguel Balaca told ANGOP on Tuesday.
According to the health official, the vaccination campaign will last seven days and will focus on the neighborhoods of Calundo, Casseque I, II and III, Caquelewa, Lufefena, Munda, Petróleo, São Pedro and Samdjepele.
He added that these are neighborhoods that registered several cases of the disease in January, with 77 diagnosed cases and three deaths recorded so far, and that it was essential to conduct thef vaccination campaign to prevent more cases.
Miguel Balaca said that the institution is creating the logistical conditions for the 65 controlled units, at a time when the mobilization and awareness-raising teams are working with traditional authorities, midwives and churches to ensure massive adherence to the measles vaccination campaign.
He advised parents and guardians that if their child shows signs of measles, they should not go to school and/or nursery and should immediately take them to the nearest hospital.
The vaccination campaign will involve health technicians from the 65 units in the municipality of Huambo, who will be deployed to the various posts to control the disease.
In addition to coughing, patients with the disease have symptoms such as high fever and red eyes, and it is crucial to avoid direct contact with the sick in order to prevent new infections.
The municipality of Huambo, one of 11 in the province of Huambo, has an estimated population of 999,605 inhabitants living in 433 neighborhoods distributed in two municipalities, Calima and Sede. JSV/ALH/TED/AMP
