Admn readies to tackle measles cases

CHANDIGARH: Fearing a possible measles outbreak in the city, UT Administration in conjunction with Municipal Corporation (MC) is gearing up to vaccinate 10,000 children against the ''killer'' disease.
The MC has given Rs six lakh to UT health department which would be utilised for procurement of the Mumps, Measles, Rubela (MMR) vaccines.
Targeted at children between one-and-ahalf and six years of age, the vaccines would be administered primarily to children belonging to the economically weaker sections of society.
To be done under the Integrated Child Development Scheme floated by the Union ministry of social welfare, the one-time vaccination drive would be executed through the 500 anganwadi centres across the city.
Speaking to The Times of India, a senior UT health department paediatrician said, "Measles is the highest killer disease of malnourished children. Mortality in malnourished children is about 20 times higher than in well-fed children. Traditionally though sporadic cases come to light every year, a mini epidemic is witnessed after every three-four years which is typical of a viral disease. Besides, measles cases are reported usually in February-March. Thus vaccinating the children against MMR would help cut down on the intensity of a possible outbreak."
The last measles outbreak in Chandigarh was witnessed in 1998-99 where as many as 283 cases came to light.
"Going by the cyclic pattern of the disease, there is a high possibility that an outbreak can happen this year. Since we do not have a 100 per cent vaccine coverage, there is an accumulation of susceptible cases. The influx influx of migrants further aggravates the problem. More than 20 per cent children in Chandigarh are yet to be brought under the anti-measles vaccination programme," notes a senior PGI faculty.
Caused by varicella virus, measles is a highly contagious disease spread by droplet infection (respiratory tract secretions and secretions of nose and throat).
It is characterised by fever, conjunctivitis, cough and rash. The incubation period of the disease is about 10-12 days.
"The MMR vaccine, manufactured by the Serum Institute of India, gives protection against three diseases. While measles creates complications like pneumonia, ear discharge and may also cause encephalitis (brain damage), mumps may lead to infertility and juvenile diabetes. Rubela in expecting mothers can lead to congenital malformations in the foetus. Once the vaccine is given, children get immunised against these diseases for their lifetime," notes the UT Health Department paediatrician.