NEW DELHI: Measles cases are not expected to get out of control in India despite a spike in number of cases in some regions, chief of health at Unicef-India Luigi D’Aquino has said. In an interview with TOI, D’Aquino said,”There are certain hot spots of measles infection, exacerbated by the pandemic through missing vaccine doses, which are being reported now.”
India has reported more than 12,000 cases of measles so far this year – highest in four years. This has been confirmed by the WHO which maintains a database of measles cases reported globally. D’Aquino said the priority of the Centre and state governments is to maintain the focus on routine immunisation with the measles and rubella (MR) vaccine, while containing the outbreak.
“Areas with identified measles outbreaks should be reached with a comprehensive intervention consisting of MR vaccination and vitamin A supplementation and strengthening routine immunisation with catch-up of missed children and a long term community engagement. In addition, measles surveillance should be focused upon to identify any priority areas for timely intervention,” he added.
India has reported more than 12,000 cases of measles so far this year – highest in four years. This has been confirmed by the WHO which maintains a database of measles cases reported globally. D’Aquino said the priority of the Centre and state governments is to maintain the focus on routine immunisation with the measles and rubella (MR) vaccine, while containing the outbreak.
“Areas with identified measles outbreaks should be reached with a comprehensive intervention consisting of MR vaccination and vitamin A supplementation and strengthening routine immunisation with catch-up of missed children and a long term community engagement. In addition, measles surveillance should be focused upon to identify any priority areas for timely intervention,” he added.
