PHILIPSBURG– Considering circulated news about various infectious and vaccine-preventable diseases internationally and regionally, citizens are requested to take preventive actions. Collective Prevention Services (CPS), a department of the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labour VSA, calls on families who plan to travel during the July and August school holidays to take preventive measures and to make sure their vaccinations are up to date for the entire family.
“Maintain healthy habits, like getting plenty of rest and not having close contact with people who are sick. Seek medical attention immediately if you or your child develops symptoms on return from your summer holiday travels. There have been international reports and information about the increase of measles and serogroup W invasive meningococcal disease (IMD),” according to the department on Monday.
It is advised to take precautions prior to travel. Make sure your and your child’s vaccination status is up to date and during your vacation adhere to preventive actions such as avoiding sick persons, properly washing hands, complying with cough etiquettes and food safety.
Meningococcal disease can refer to any illness caused by the type of bacteria called Neisseria meningitidis, also known as meningococcus [muh-nin-joh-KOK-us – Ed.]. These illnesses are often severe and can be deadly. They include infections of the brain membrane and spinal cord (meningitis) and bloodstream infections (bacteremia or septicemia).
These bacteria spread through the exchange of respiratory and throat secretions like spit (e.g., by living in close quarters, kissing). The meningococcal bacteria spread to other people by sharing respiratory and throat secretions (saliva or spit). Generally, it takes close (for example, coughing or kissing) or lengthy contact to spread these bacteria.
People can catch them through casual contact or by breathing air where someone with meningococcal disease has been. Those at increased risk of getting sick include those who live with the patient and anyone with direct contact with the patient’s oral secretions, such as a boyfriend or girlfriend.
Between epidemiological week (EW) one and EW 22 of 2018, 11 countries reported 1,685 confirmed cases of measles in the region of the Americas. The Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) recommends that all travellers over 6 months of age who cannot show proof of vaccination or immunity receive the measles and rubella vaccine, preferably the triple viral vaccine (measles, mumps and rubella – MMR), at least two weeks before travelling to areas where measles transmission has been documented.
Source: The Daily Herald https://www.thedailyherald.sx/islands/78448-cps-reminds-public-to-bring-vaccination-status-up-to-date
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