Al-Ahli Hospital is participating in the national immunisation campaign against Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR). The campaign, started on October 17 will continue until November 14, targeting children aged one to 13.
The campaign is in line with the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) international commitment to eliminate measles globally.
Dr Mohamad Anas Barakat, consultant paediatrician at Al-Ahli Hospital, said the initiative of the Ministry of Public Health is very important because measles, mumps and rubella are  dangerous and can be transmitted through cough and droplets from the mouth while sneezing. Measles is an infectious disease that can affects children and the elderly who are not immunised.”
He explained that the incubation period lasts for 10 days. The symptoms include prodromal fever, conjunctivitis, coryza, cough, and small spots with white or bluish-white centres on an erythematous base on the buccal mucosa. “A red, blotchy rash appears on the third to seventh day after the prodromal symptoms appear. The rash begins on the face. Common complications include diarrhea, middle ear infection”.
The people at high risk for severe illness and complications from measles include infants and children who take immuno-suppressant medicine, pregnant women, and people with compromised immune systems, Dr Barakat noted.
He also cautioned that those who have a life-threatening allergic reaction to components of MMR vaccine should not undergo vaccination. Similarly, those who are sick at the time of the shot may be advised to wait until they recover before getting MMR vaccine.