Parents’ Ignorance Blamed For Nsukka Measles Outbreak

The head of department of health in the Nsukka Local Government Area, Mrs Ngozi Ugwu, has attributed the recent measles outbreak in Lejja to ignorance on the part of parents.

“The outbreak was caused by the ignorance of some parents who did not know the value of the immunisation of their children. It is unfortunate that some parents do not take the issue of presenting their children for immunisation seriously.

“It was when the outbreak occured that they realised their mistakes and started begging for their children to be immunised,’’ Ugwu told newsmen in Nsukka yesterday.

She said the council had procured additional vaccines to immunise some 300 non affected children in the area.

“Four children under the age of five died during the outbreak while four others were safely treated,” she added.

Ugwu said that some international health organisations, like the WHO, were working with the local government to forestall re-occurrence.

“Parents should always take the issue of immunising their children seriously, “she said.

When contacted, the Nsukka Local Government Chairman, Mr Tony Ugwu, said the council released funds to procure drugs and vaccines to ensure that the situation was brought under control.

“I can authoritatively tell you the situation has been brought under control. I thank the LG health department, the state government and donor agencies for their quick intervention that saved the situation.

“The LG will increase its awareness campaign for parents to know the importance of immunisation for their children.

“The outbreak was caused by lack of proper awareness on the importance of immunisation for their children,” he said.