Another health scare: Two children infected with Rubella virus in Jalozai Camp

22 cases of the virus have so far been reported throughout the country.

PESHAWAR:

Two cases of the Rubella virus, also known as German measles or three-day measles, were reported at the Jalozai Camp in Nowshera for internally displaced persons.

Earlier, nine cases of measles were reported from the Jalozai Camp, and the recent cases have spread panic in the area.

A senior health official in Peshawar said the disease first appeared in Lower Dir in 2009. He explained that according to diagnostic tests of the patients, two children residing in the camp were found to be infected, adding the virus is similar to measles.

He explained that vaccinations against this disease are not included in the government’s expanded programme on immunisation.

While talking about the disease, the official said it is a mild disease in children but it is dangerous for pregnant women as it can cause Congenital Rubella Syndrome (CRS) in fetuses and further complications can develop once the babies are born. He said infants may develop heart defects and suffer audio impairments if their mothers are infected during pregnancy.

Talking about the symptoms, the official said pink or light red swollen spots appear on the person’s skin along with tender lymph nodes, usually in the back of the neck or behind the ears, which can be seen by the naked eye.

The official explained that so far 22 cases of the virus have been reported throughout Pakistan. He said the children affected at Jalozai Camp have been identified as five-year-old Nazim and three-year-old Ayan.

The official revealed that diagnostic tests of the children have been sent to Islamabad, where they will be confirmed and the patients would then be administered proper treatment.

The World Health Organization (WHO) terms Rubella an acute, contagious viral infection.

According to the WHO website, the Rubella virus is transmitted by airborne droplets when infected people sneeze or cough, with humans being the only known host.

The global health body states that in children, the disease is usually mild, with symptoms including a rash, low fever, nausea and mild conjunctivitis.

WHO recommends that all countries that have not yet introduced Rubella vaccine should consider doing so using existing well-established measles immunisation programmes.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 3^rd, 2014.