A rapid response unit for epidemic diseases was opened on Friday (01) at the Epidemiology Unit under the patronage of Health Secretary Dr. Palitha Mahipala.
The primary purpose of establishing this unit is due to the risk of the resurgence of measles, which had been eradicated from the country.
This unit will be open from 7:00 am to 6:00 pm during the special Measles/Rubella Immunisation Week which is from November 4 (today) to 9. The public can obtain information about measles, rubella, and other epidemic diseases through the hotline 0704 565656 (voice, WhatsApp).
A special discussion was held at the Epidemiology Unit regarding the measures to be taken and further steps needed to control the risk of resurgence of measles.
The Health Secretary instructed officials to educate the public on the necessity of receiving both doses of the vaccine to prevent the spread of the disease. Instructions were also given to conduct local awareness programmes and inform the public through posters, banners, and leaflets.
The main activities scheduled during the Special Measles/Rubella Immunisation Week include identifying and informing unvaccinated individuals aged 9 months to 30 years by visiting households in selected Family Health Officer areas, identifying and informing unvaccinated individuals aged 20 to 30 in selected workplaces and higher education institutions, and holding special vaccination clinics in permanent immunisation centres and selected workplaces and educational institutions.
Public awareness programmes will also be conducted with media outlets, community leaders, and healthcare professionals highlighting the importance of the measles vaccination campaign.
Vaccinations will be administered on November 9, and arrangements have been made to provide vaccines through the Medical Officer of Health offices on the following four Saturdays for those unable to attend on the scheduled date.
In 2019, the World Health Organisation declared Sri Lanka as a country free of measles. However, due to the global decline in vaccinations amid the COVID-19 pandemic, measles cases resurfaced globally, including in our region. As a result, measles cases have been reported in Sri Lanka since May 2023.
Health officials caution that one measles patient can infect up to 18 others and cause severe complications. Those who have not received both vaccine doses are urged to get vaccinated immediately, with information available at the nearest Medical Officer of Health office.
This event was attended by Health Ministry Deputy Director General Dr. Mahendra Arnold, Chief Epidemiologist Hasitha Thissera, and other specialists and medical staff.
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