Massive vaccination for quake victims

CEBU, Philippines - The Department of Health (DOH) 7 is conducting massive measles vaccination to ensure that the disease won’t spread among earthquake victims situated in various evacuation centers in Bohol.

DOH-7 assistant nurse coordinator Russelle Gako said yesterday that they target to vaccinate 20,000 children, ages one to 15 years old.

“Measles is contagious. It is an airborne disease, so dali ra gyud ni manakod the moment naa nay ma-infected. So far, wala pay nagka measles and we have to prevent this from happening mao na naa tay massive measles vaccination,” Gako said.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), measles is a highly contagious and serious disease caused by a virus. It remains one of the leading causes of death among young children globally despite the availability of a safe and effective vaccine. It is spread by coughing and sneezing, close personal contact or direct contact with infected nasal or throat secretions, WHO added.

Gako said the health department is focusing on prevention at this point rather than on curative mood.

As Bohol province was severely hit by the 7.2 magnitude earthquake last October 15, the health department has observed cases of fever, cough and colds especially among children and hypertension among adults.

DOH-7 also received reports of diarrhea cases but these are yet to be confirmed.

“Diarrhea cannot be only due to contaminated water but also due to psychologically reasons. We have no diarrhea outbreak in any parts of Bohol,” Gako said.

The health department has provided 14 generator sets to areas in Bohol that are in dire need of electricity; water chlorine tablets; hygiene kits; and vitamin A supplementation; among others.

The health department also plans to put up portable toilets to prevent the spread of water-borne diseases.

In a related development, Department of Education (DepEd) 7 Director Carmelita Dulangon said classes in Bohol will resume on November 5, 2013 as November 4 is the province’s President Carlos P. Garcia Day.

Meanwhile, classes in all levels in Siquijor will resume on November 4 just like in Cebu.

DepEd 7 personnel themselves have been holding office under a tent for the past week because their building has been damaged badly by the quake. – (FREEMAN)