Public health officials are worried about the measles outbreak in India amongst children. The number of cases has skyrocketed in recent days, and numerous deaths in the city have been related to the sickness. Mumbai East, along with a few other neighbourhoods, has been labelled a “high-risk” region by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC).
The Union government announced that it will be sending three teams to the states of Jharkhand, Gujarat, and Kerala, all of which have shown an increase in measles infection. Children in impacted areas should receive additional measles vaccine doses as part of an “Outbreak Response Immunization Mode,” as recommended by the Union minister of health.
What is Measles and what are its Symptoms
Measles is an infectious disease spread by a paramyxovirus that can be caught in the air or by personal contact. Measles is a highly contagious disease that can be avoided with immunization for the vast majority of the population.
High temperature, cough, nasal discharge, and watery eyes are all symptoms. The rash associated with measles often develops 3–5 days following the onset of symptoms. Also known as Koplik’s dots, these tiny white spots have bluish-white centres and appear on a red background. Complications from measles include ear infections, croup, diarrhea, pneumonia, and encephalitis, all of which need to be constantly monitored in patients.
Causes of massive Measles Outbreak in INDIA
Because of the epidemic, vaccination rates have declined during the previous few years. The measles outbreak in India has been linked to a “lack of immunization,” according to the World Health Organization.
How to keep your Children Safe
The measles outbreak in India can only be controlled with vaccination. Babies should wait until they are nine months old before receiving their first dose. The second occurs at the 15-month milestone. And the third is when they reach the age of five or six.
Children with the illness should be quarantined to stop its spread. Measles can be fought with antibiotics, a healthy diet, plenty of water, and a focus on personal hygiene.