CHILD HEALTH: HEALTH EDUCATOR RECOMMENDS ROTA VACCINES TO CURB DIARRHOEAL DISEASE

REPORTER: JOSHUA OBIALO

Parents and caregivers have been advised to vaccinate their children against the diarrhoeal disease caused by ROTAVIRUS.

The Deputy Director of Health Education, Old Umuahia in Umuahia South Local Government Area of Abia State, Mrs. Emelda Ndukauba, gave the advice in an interview with Radio Nigeria correspondent Joshua Obialo.

Mrs Ndukauba described Rotavirus as contagious, causing severe diarrhoea, vomiting and fever mostly in infants and young children, noting that without proper treatment, a child would become dehydrated and hospitalized, just as it could also result to death.

She said that infants and young children between 3 and 5 years were more at risk of contracting rotavirus while older children have milder symptoms.

The Health Officer noted that rotavirus could be transmitted from the stool of an infected child and spread from hand-to-mouth after touching an object that had a small amount of infected stool on it.

Mrs. Ndukauba explained that in addition to the vaccination, complete immunization of children should be done as well as personal and environmental hygiene, good nutrition, including exclusive breastfeeding in the first six months and hand washing with soap and water.

She assured that about nine of ten children would be protected from rotavirus disease of any severity if given rota vaccine, describing it as safe and effective.

The health educator added that a one-week campaign on the new vaccine would kick off in Abia State on Tuesday next week.

EDITED BY CHUKWUBUIKE MADU