Measles Warning: SKY 12 Songkhla Urges Parents⁣ to Vaccinate Children

According to Dr. Chalermphon Osotpromma, director of the ‍12th Office of Disease ​Prevention and Control, Songkhla Province, measles is a highly contagious infection caused by the measles virus.‍ It spreads through small droplets in the air or by contact with patients’ secretions, making ‌it easy to contract. The patient‍ will develop a rash on the ⁣skin along with fever,⁢ which can occur at any⁤ age, but is more common in children aged 0 to 6 years,⁣ especially those who have not been vaccinated.

Symptoms of Measles

Measles patients typically start to show symptoms 10-12 days after​ infection. Initially, the symptoms are similar to‍ those ​of the flu,⁣ including high fever, runny nose, frequent cough, sore ⁣throat, and‍ red, watery eyes. After​ 3-5 days, a ‌red rash‌ appears behind the ears, face, above ​the hairline, and then⁤ spreads to the body,⁣ arms, and‍ legs. Some people may develop red ‍bumps with a white center on​ their cheeks.⁢ If left untreated, measles can lead‌ to serious complications, including encephalitis, pneumonia, otitis⁤ media, blindness, widespread diarrhea, and severe dehydration, which can be fatal.

Prevention and Vaccination

Dr. Chalermphon emphasizes that measles can be prevented by administering two doses of​ the MMR (measles-mumps-rubella) vaccine to children. ‌The first dose should be given at 9 months of age, and the‌ second dose at 1 year and 6 months of age. ⁣This vaccine can effectively⁤ prevent measles, mumps,⁤ and ⁢rubella.

SKY 12 Songkhla encourages parents to take their ⁣unvaccinated children to the⁢ nearest government hospital for free​ vaccination. If a ⁢child under your care shows symptoms of measles, such as fever, cough, red eyes, and a red rash ⁢on the face and body, separate them from other children for a ⁢period of 1 week. Adhere to the DMH principles of maintaining distance, wearing a mask, and washing your hands frequently in case of contact with a measles patient. If you have been exposed​ to measles, receive the vaccine as soon as possible, regardless of your history of infection or previous vaccination.