23 Feb 2024 | 12:04 PM UTC
Sri Lanka: Elevated measles activity reported nationwide, especially Southern Province, in February
Elevated measles outbreak reported nationwide in Sri Lanka, especially Southern Province, in February. Confirm vaccination.
International health officials have reported elevated measles activity nationwide in Sri Lanka, with a total of 210 cases reported Jan. 1-Feb. 2. This is compared to no measles cases being reported over a similar period in 2023. Southern Province (87 cases) is most affected, followed by the Western (56 cases), North Western (19 cases), and Central (17 cases) provinces. Sri Lankan health officials carried out a Supplementary Immunization Activity on Jan. 6, 2024, in nine high-risk districts. A vaccine catch-up campaign was also implemented nationwide to vaccinate eligible children who had missed the additional measles vaccine dose during the initial campaign. This report represents the most complete data available as of Feb. 23.
Visit a doctor to ensure vaccination against measles or immunity through previous infection. Practice basic health precautions. Call your medical provider if symptoms develop within three weeks of being in affected areas.
Measles vaccination coverage in Sri Lanka was estimated at 99 percent in 2022, which is well above the 92-95 percent required to prevent wider community transmission. The WHO declared that Sri Lanka had successfully eradicated measles in 2019; however, the country reported a resurgence in measles cases in May 2023. Health authorities reported 863 measles cases nationwide in Sri Lanka in 2023.
Measles is a very contagious viral disease that spreads through respiratory droplets created when an infected individual coughs, sneezes or speaks. Infected individuals can also expose people around them by contaminating surfaces with secretions from the nose, mouth, and throat. Symptoms typically appear 7-14 days after exposure but can develop up to 21 days after exposure. Symptoms generally include fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and a red rash that begins on the face and spreads downward. Serious complications - including pneumonia - can occur, especially in children younger than five years old, adults older than 20 years old, and individuals with a weakened immune system.
