Adamawa State is grappling with a concerning measles outbreak, as confirmed by health officials. According to the Adamawa State Epidemiologist, Kadabiyu Jones, a staggering 49 deaths have been recorded, with 143 confirmed cases out of 818 suspected ones.

“The affected persons are usually children, aged between 1 and 14 years, and most of the affected persons are children who were not vaccinated,” Jones stated, highlighting the vulnerability of unvaccinated children to the highly contagious disease.

In response to the outbreak, the state government has taken decisive measures, including the closure of schools. This move aims to facilitate the ongoing vaccination exercise, ensuring that all children within the susceptible age group receive the necessary immunization.

Jones emphasized the importance of community participation, urging residents to actively engage in the vaccination campaign to curb further transmission of the disease. He assured the public that surveillance personnel have been deployed to track and contain the outbreak effectively.

Meanwhile, the World Health Organisation has underscored the crucial role of the media in disseminating accurate information about public health emergencies. WHO Coordinator Ahemen Terseer emphasized the need for collaboration between health authorities and the media to ensure the delivery of reliable and fact-based information to the public.

“The media has the power to make or mar any public health campaign,” Terseer stated, highlighting the significance of responsible journalism in promoting public health initiatives.

As Adamawa State continues its efforts to contain the measles outbreak, the collaboration between health authorities, the media, and the community remains essential in safeguarding the health and well-being of the population.