Cestos City, Rivercess County — Health authorities in Rivercess County have raised serious concern over a suspected measles outbreak as at least 37 people have already shown symptoms of the highly contagious disease across two major health districts.
Speaking to Verity News, the County Surveillance Officer, Mr. Darius Lehyen, disclosed that although no case has yet been officially confirmed by laboratory results, specimens collected from affected patients have been sent to the National Reference Laboratory and are still pending confirmation. He, however, stressed that the situation already meets the threshold of a suspected outbreak based on the number and spread of cases.
“We are in a suspected measles outbreak. We have not had any confirmed case yet because our specimens are still pending at the National Reference Lab, but we currently have 37 persons who have come down with the sickness,” Lehyen said.
According to health data, both children and adults have been affected in Timbo District and Jo-River District, with several communities reporting clusters of illness. More than five cases have been recorded in James Town in Jo-River District, while Korlo and Quah Towns in Timbo District have each reported between five and six cases, raising fears of wider community transmission.
Mr. Lehyen explained that measles is caused by a virus that spreads easily from person to person through close contact, coughing, or sneezing. Once someone is infected, anyone they interact with is at high risk of exposure.
“Measles is highly infectious. If someone who has already come down with the sickness interacts with another person, that person will surely be exposed and will start developing the symptoms,” he warned.
Health authorities are emphasizing that measles is a vaccine-preventable disease, and vaccination remains the most effective protection. Children are normally given the measles vaccine between six and nine months, which, according to Lehyen, may not always prevent infection but significantly reduces the severity of the illness.
Common symptoms of measles include high fever, small rashes or bumps on the skin, coughing, and runny nose. The County Surveillance Officer urged community members to take these warning signs seriously.
“If you see someone in the community with fever, small small rashes, coughing, and runny nose, it is important to report that case to the County Health Team or encourage the person to come to the hospital,” he said.
Health officials say they are on alert and will take further action once laboratory confirmation is received. In the meantime, residents of Rivercess County are being urged to report suspected cases early, avoid close contact with infected persons, and ensure children are properly vaccinated to prevent the possible spread of the deadly disease.
