Tabalong intensely socializes and immunizes measles

Tanjung, S Kalimantan 12/9 (AntaranewsKalsel) - The Tabalong Health Agency has intensely socialized and immunized measles following the case explosion of the disease in the district.

Head of Eradication and Disease Control Division of the Health Agency Akhmad Rivai in Tanjung on Tuesday said the case of measles this year is big enough to reach 217 children spread in 11 sub-districts.

"From the blood samples we sent to the Ministry of Health proved 217 infants in Tabalong positive measles, due to lack of awareness of parents to immunize their children," explained Rivai.

Whereas the previous year Tabalong and Tanah Laut set by the Ministry of Health for not doing repetition of immunization because the number of people with measles was still low.

By contrast this year, children under five years positive with measles reached 217 and most cases were found in Habau Village, Banua Lawas Sub-district, reaching 43 children.

Therefore Habau Village became the target of socialization activities as well as measles immunization in collaboration with the South Kalimantan Health Office.

The cause of high cases of measles in Habau Village said Rivai, in addition to the ban from husbands and false assumptions that mention immunization, is haram also due to lack of knowledge about the importance of childhood immunization.

"We continue to give knowledge to the villagers about the importance of measles immunization because the disease can be contagious," explained Rivai.

In addition to Habau Village, the agency also found people with measles in Kasiau Village, Murung Pudak Sub-district, Uwie Village and Lumbang Village in Muara Uya Sub-district.