46 children die from measles in Kunduz in 10 months

KUNDUZ CITY (Pajhwok): Despite a decrease in measles cases this year, about 46 children have died from the disease in the past 10 months in northern Kunduz province.

Meanwhile, doctors said measles was spreading due to lack of vaccination, urging the people to vaccinate their children against the disease.

Mohibullah Nasiri, director of zonal hospital in Kunduz, told Pajhwok Afghan News that during the past 10 months, the cases of measles dropped by 20 percent in the province compared to the same period last year.

According to Nasiri, about 1,370 measles cases were registered uring the period and 46 of them died, while 1,740 such cases  had been registered last year when 61 patients died.

He said: “If we compare this year’s figures with last year’s, it shows a 20 percent decrease.”

He called for a successful implementation of anti-measles vaccination in the province.

Meanwhile, Jailani Atayee, an official of the Public Health Department, said measles cases dropped this year due to vaccination, saying 140,000 children were vaccinated during a drive.

However, doctors say the large number of measles cases is due to lack of vaccination.

Enayat Rahman, a pediatric specialist, said: “Measles is a viral and contagious disease that can easily be transmitted to other children. The ways to prevent it include regular vaccination, hygiene observance band maintaining children’s immunity system.”

sa/ma