Health Ministry Urges Doctors to Report Measles Cases Amid New Outbreaks

COLOMBO (News 1st) - The Ministry of Health has issued a directive to medical professionals to immediately report any suspected cases of Measles.

Dr. Athula Liyanapathirana, Community Physician at the Epidemiology Unit, stated that cases involving symptoms such as fever and rashes should be reported through the national surveillance system.

The Ministry has specifically instructed doctors treating in private hospitals to refer any patient exhibiting these symptoms to a government hospital for further management and tracking.

Health authorities emphasized that vaccination remains the most effective way to prevent the spread of the disease. 

Accordingly, Infants of 9 months to 3 years must have received at least one dose of the vaccine.

Children of 3 to 15 years of age must have completed both doses of the vaccine.

Citizens are advised to seek medical attention immediately if they or their children develop a fever accompanied by a skin rash.

According to health officials, two new cases of Measles were reported last month. 

This marks the first time cases have been detected since January of last year.