Measles presence in the country prompts Western Highlands for early awareness
The Western Highlands Provincial Health Authority [WHPHA] has activated a preparedness plan to stop a measles outbreak from reaching the province.
The PHA warns that increasing population movement and worsening El Nino conditions could quickly spread the virus into Western Highlands.
WHPHA chief executive officer Dr. Jonah Kurubi in an interview with NBC News, said although Western Highlands has not recorded a measles outbreak yet, the disease is already spreading in the Sepik region and New Ireland, making it only a matter of time before the virus reaches the province if preventive measures are not taken.
Measles is a highly contagious viral disease that spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
It commonly causes high fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes and a widespread skin rash. Young children, especially those under five years old, are at the greatest risk of developing severe complications such as pneumonia, brain infection and even death if they are not immunised.
Dr. Kurubi said the PHA has already developed an action plan aimed at detecting and containing any imported measles cases before they develop into a widespread outbreak.
"Measles is on the rise again in Papua New Guinea. It has not reached Western Highlands yet, but because people are constantly travelling between provinces, we expect the risk to increase. Measles is an airborne disease that spreads very quickly, so we cannot wait until cases appear before we act," Dr. Kurubi said.
He said health facilities across the province are being prepared to respond, while surveillance systems are being strengthened to quickly identify and isolate suspected cases.
Dr. Kurubi also revealed that the PHA has documented its emergency medical requirements, including adequate stocks of intravenous [IV] fluids, essential medicines and other medical supplies needed to respond to health emergencies expected during the El Nino dry season.
He added preparedness goes beyond treating patients, with the hospital also ensuring essential services remain operational despite increased demand.
At the same time, WHPHA is expanding public awareness campaigns through mainstream and social media platforms and community health education to help families understand the health risks associated with the prolonged dry season and the importance of seeking early medical attention.
Dr. Kurubi warned that measles is not the only health threat linked to the current weather conditions.
He stressed diseases such as dysentery, dengue fever, diarrhoea and malnutrition are also expected to increase during the El Niño period, particularly among vulnerable groups including children under five years of age.
Meanwhile, WHPHA Health Promotion Officer Philip Kond, speaking during NBC News Highlands' Health Talk Program yesterday, urged parents to ensure all children under five receive their routine immunisations.
Kond also encouraged families to practise good hygiene by washing hands regularly, drinking safe water, preparing food hygienically and maintaining clean surroundings to reduce the spread of infectious diseases during the dry season.
The health authority is saying preventing disease through vaccination, proper hygiene and community awareness will be critical in protecting Western Highlands from a potentially dangerous outbreak while the province continues preparing for the health impacts of El Nino.