Measles outbreak hits Mumbai and nearby areas: 13 deaths in a month

Measles outbreak hits Mumbai and nearby areas: 13 deaths in a month

Subject: Science and Technology

Context:

• With 13 deaths over the last month and a sharp spike in cases, Mumbai and its surrounding areas are staring at a measles outbreak. Until 23 nov, the city had reported 233 confirmed cases, of which over 200 were reported in the last two months.

Cases of Measles in the state-

• The state (Maharashtra) reported 193 cases and 3 deaths in 2020; and 153 cases and 3 deaths in 2019.
• Measles cases in the last few years in Mumbai-
  • 10 cases and 1 death in 2021
  • 29 cases and no death in 2020; and
  • 37 cases and 3 deaths in 2019.
• Seven pockets of Mumbai – Dharavi, Govandi, Kurla, Mahim, Bandra and Matunga – have emerged as hotspots.
• When the outbreak started, only 41 per cent of the eligible children had been vaccinated in Mumbai.
• Vaccine hesitancy has turned into the biggest hurdle for ASHA and health volunteers.

Vaccine coverage-

What are measles and rubella?

• Measles-
  • Measles (also called rubeola) is a very contagious respiratory viral infection that causes a total-body skin rash and flu-like symptoms.
  • It is transmitted person-to-person via droplets when infected people sneeze or cough.
  • Initial symptoms usually occur 10–12 days after infection and comprise high fever, runny nose, bloodshot eyes and Koplik’s spots (tiny white spots on the inside of the mouth).
  • Several days later, a rash develops and the most severe complication includes blindness, encephalitis (an infection that causes brain swelling), severe diarrhoea and pneumonia.
  • There is no specific medical treatment.
• Rubella
  • Rubella is a viral disease caused by the rubella virus that mostly affects the skin and lymph nodes.
  • In kids, rubella (commonly called German measles or 3-day measles) is usually a mild illness.
  • But the infection is dangerous for pregnant women because it can cause serious health problems in their babies.
  • Rubella is transmitted in airborne droplets from the nose, mouth or throat of infected people.

Cases in India-

• India has seen an increase in the number of measles cases – 11,156 cases of measles have been reported in 2022 till September, according to data from the World Health Organization.
• To compare, there were 6,078 recorded in 2021, 5,598 cases in 2020, and 10,708 cases in 2019.

What about the vaccination?

• The MR vaccine is a combined product, targeting two diseases in one shot.
• Two doses of MR vaccine should be given at 9-12 months and 16-24 months of age.
• However, if a child misses the scheduled dose, the MR vaccine can be given till 5 years of age.
• For epidemiological reasons, rubella vaccination had to cover children up to 15 years.
• The same vaccine is being given in the routine Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP) of India.