FREETOWN, May 13 (Xinhua) -- Sierra Leone on Wednesday declared a measles outbreak amid increasing confirmed infections, with health authorities warning of active community transmission in its capital, Freetown.
A total of 41 confirmed measles cases were recorded across eight districts between January and April, according to the public notice issued by the National Public Health Agency in collaboration with the Health Ministry.
The Western Area Urban District was identified as the hardest-hit district with 15 confirmed cases, including nine infections reported in April alone.
The government said field teams have been deployed to affected districts, especially the Western Area Urban District, while ring vaccination campaigns, surveillance, contact tracing and infection prevention measures are being intensified.
The public was urged to seek immediate medical care for anyone showing symptoms such as fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes and skin rash.
Authorities said vaccination remains the most effective protection against measles and called on parents to ensure children receive the two free vaccine doses available nationwide.
According to health authorities, measles is a highly contagious viral disease transmitted through the air when infected persons cough, sneeze, or breathe near others. The disease can lead to severe complications and death, particularly among children, pregnant women and immunocompromised individuals. ■
