MUMBAI: The measles outbreak that started in the city last October has claimed the lives of 15 children till now, a measles death committee has confirmed. Of 15 fatalities, 11 were reported last year between October-December, while four were recorded this January. Children who succumbed to the infection were aged six months to five years.
The BMC report showed that nine of the 15 were reported from M east ward. Within M-east, most deaths were from Govandi (7) and the remaining from Madanpura and Cheeta Camp in Trombay. M east, the epicentre of the outbreak, also reported most cases. The death of three children from a family in Govandi on October 27 and 28 had brought the outbreak to light.
Besides M east, two deaths were reported from Kurla and Sakinaka in L ward, and two more from Antop Hill and Sion in F north. Ten of the 15 deceased children were boys.
The review showed that measles led to complications, including bronchopneumonia, acute respiratory failure and septic shock in most kids. Malnutrition aggravated the condition in several children.
Civic officials said the outbreak has since come under control. "We are detecting less than 10 suspected cases now with fever and rashes," said an officer, adding that the city has reported 588 suspected cases this year, compared to 4,601 last year.
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