VOINJAMA, December 12 (LINA)-Medical authorities in Lofa County have alarmed about an outbreak of measles in the county.
Making the disclosure on behalf of the Lofa County Health Team during the regular Wednesday Ebola coordination meeting in Voinjama, Lofa County Surveillance Officer Tamba Alpha said five suspected measles cases were recorded, out of which two were confirmed.
He said individuals bearing the two positive measles cases came to Voinjama from Salayea and Zorzor districts.
According to Alpha, the two measles patients have been admitted at the Tellewoyan Memorial Hospital in Voinjama for treatment, while
specimens have been taken from the remaining three and sent to the Health Ministry in Monrovia for testing.
Also speaking at the meeting, the World Health Organization (WHO) Doctor assigned to Lofa County, appreciated the efforts of government,
international partners and citizens of Lofa County in the fight
against Ebola in the county.
Dr. Clement Peter however warned citizens of Lofa County not to rejoice, but continue to adhere to the Ebola preventive measures outlined by health authorities as Ebola is still in their midst.
He also reminded residents to report sick persons in their various communities for early treatment.
Meanwhile, Dr. Peter is calling on government, international partners, local authorities as well as community dwellers to support community based organizations in the county to enhance their capacity to continue to provide Ebola awareness and sensitization messages to the citizens to prevent a new outbreak of the deadly Ebola virus in the county.
He expressed concern about Sierra Leoneans coming to Lofa to seek medical attention, and reminded them that Sierra Leone is still registering increased number of Ebola cases, and stressed the need to investigate those coming to Lofa County for medical attention, especially during this Christmas season and election period.
He observed that during elections and Christmas people gather in large numbers, which, he noted, could give rise to a new outbreak of the
deadly disease.
LINA