FOLLOWING a suspected outbreak of measles on Guam, the CNMI Department of Public Health says it will intensify its vaccination campaign.
Acting Health Secretary James U. Hofschneider, in a public health bulletin issued yesterday afternoon, asked parents and guardians to check the immunization records of their children.
“Since the CNMI is near Guam, the Department of Public Health is carrying out measures to prevent an outbreak of measles here,” Hofschneider said.
Measles is an acute and contagious virus disease. Its symptoms include high fever, red rash that covers the body, runny nose, watery eyes and coughing.
A vaccine called MMR is available at local private clinics, the Commonwealth Health Center as well as at the government health centers on Tinian and Rota.
Two groups of children might need to be vaccinated: Those who are one years old or older who never received the MMR vaccine, and those who are over four years old who only have one MMR shot.
“If your child needs an MMR vaccine, please call your doctor to receive the immunization within the next week,” Hofschneider said.
He said the Children’s Clinic at CHC will be open on Saturday and Sunday, or April 27 and 28, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Saipan Health Center and Pacific Medical Center are also open on Saturdays, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., Hofschneider said.
The health centers on Rota and Tinian will also be open for immunizations on Saturday and Sunday.
Local health officials said that while there are no current reported cases of measles in the CNMI, it is always important to take precautionary measures.
