The measles outbreak in Port Moresby, is steadily spreading to other provinces around the country. This was confirmed by Director of Public Health, Dr Niko Wuatai.
The first measles case was reported and confirmed on the 13th of February this year. Port Moresby suburbs like Gerehu, Waigani, Tokarara, 9 mile, Morata and Rainbow, were hotspots of the transmission.
However the Department of Health, and NCD Health Authority responded with a massive vaccination program in the past 2 months. This has seen the roll out of vaccination to all clinics within and outside the city limits. However that move has not stopped the disease to spread among settlements and communities in the nation’s capital.
Dr Niko Wuatai, said a total of 150,000 children including adults, have received treatment, however vaccination will be extended, Dr Wuatai added.
Meanwhile, Dr Wuatai confirmed that the disease has spread to Central, Enga, Southern Highlands, East New Britain, and Western Province.
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