WITH the recent declaration of a measles outbreak in Senapati District, it is a wake-up call for every household, every parent, and every community leader. As the number of reported cases continues to rise, we must recognize an uncomfortable truth: there are likely many more unreported cases, silently spreading the virus among our children and families. Why? Because many of us still believe measles is just a minor childhood illness—not something to be feared.
But this outbreak highlights a much larger public health issue—a widening immunity gap in our community caused by vaccine hesitancy. Measles, being one of the most contagious diseases in the world, is often the first to re-emerge when vaccination coverage drops. A single unvaccinated case in the community is enough to trigger a dangerous outbreak, especially in districts like ours where routine immunization uptake is worryingly low.
Why Is This Happening in Senapati?
In my visits and surveys conducted in both the district headquarters and far off villages, I see there is a deep-rooted hesitancy toward childhood vaccination. Despite repeated awareness drives and free availability of vaccines under the Universal Immunization Programme (UIP), many parents are simply not coming forward to vaccinate their children.
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The reasons shared by some are deeply concerning—and at times, shockingly careless. During visits across different parts of the district, I encountered parents who refuse to vaccinate their children because they fear post-vaccination fever. One parent said, “When the child cries from fever and pain, we can’t sleep properly at night.” It is heartbreaking to see that a child’s long-term health and protection from life-threatening diseases is being compromised—just for a night’s sleep.
Another parent said, “Since there is no polio anymore, what is the need for vaccination?” While it may appear logical on the surface, this is a dangerous misconception. Polio is still endemic in countries like Afghanistan and Pakistan, and as long as the virus exists anywhere in the world, India remains at risk. Remember, COVID-19 originated in another part of the world—but it did not take long to reach us.
Others go as far as to say, “Vaccinated children won’t live beyond 50 years,” or “vaccines cause infertility.” These are baseless rumors with no scientific foundation whatsoever. Vaccines have been in use since 1796, when Edward Jenner introduced the smallpox vaccine—a discovery that ultimately helped eradicate the disease globally. If vaccines caused infertility or reduced lifespan, humanity would not have survived or grown.
Understanding How Measles Spreads
Measles is caused by a virus that spreads through tiny airborne droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. These droplets can stay in the air or on surfaces for hours. Crowded environments—such as schools, hostels, markets, and public gatherings—are perfect settings for the virus to spread rapidly.
If an unvaccinated person is exposed, there is a 90% chance they will get infected. In a community where many are unvaccinated, a single case can ignite a full-scale outbreak.
Measles Can Be Deadly
Measles is far from a harmless childhood illness. It can cause serious and sometimes fatal complications, especially in children under 5 years, and particularly those under 2 years. These include:
- Pneumonia – the leading cause of death in measles cases
- Severe diarrhea – leading to dehydration and malnutrition
- Ear infections – which can cause permanent hearing loss
- Encephalitis – a dangerous inflammation of the brain
- Blindness – especially among malnourished children
What makes measles even more dangerous is that it weakens the immune system for weeks or even months, making children vulnerable to other infections. When a child suffers from measles, immunity that the child has developed over the years through natural infections and immunization against different diseases is wiped out—a phenomenon known as immune amnesia.
The Good News: Measles Is Preventable
The measles-containing vaccine (MCV) is safe, highly effective, and free of cost under the Government of India’s Universal Immunization Programme.
- 1 dose provides 93% protection
- 2 doses provide 97% protection
As per the national immunization schedule:
- First dose should be given between 9–12 months of age
- Second dose between 16–24 months of age
If your child has missed a dose, it’s not too late you can still vaccinate your child with Measles vaccine upto 5 years of age. You can visit your nearest health centre for vaccination.
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Beyond Measles: All Vaccines Matter
Measles is just one of many diseases prevented through routine childhood vaccination. The National Immunization Schedule protects children from:
- Polio
- Diphtheria, Pertussis (Whooping Cough), and Tetanus (DPT)
- Hepatitis B
- Hib (Haemophilus influenzae type b)
- Rotavirus (severe diarrhea)
- Pneumococcal infections (pneumonia and meningitis)
- Japanese Encephalitis (in endemic areas)
- Tuberculosis (BCG)
- Typhoid (in some areas)
- Rubella, which can cause birth defects if a pregnant woman is infected
These vaccines are available for free and are administered through government health centers, some private health centres and outreach programs.
What You Can Do Today
- Check your child’s vaccination card and ensure all doses are complete
- Encourage your neighbors, family, and friends to vaccinate their children
- Avoid large gatherings if measles cases are suspected nearby
- Report early symptoms—fever, rash, red eyes, cough—to your nearest health provider
Let’s Protect Our Children and Our Future
The measles outbreak in Senapati is a red flag, but it can also be a turning point. Let us use this opportunity to reflect, educate, and take action. Vaccines are not just a medical service—they are a promise of protection, a commitment to life, and an act of love toward our children.
Let’s not wait for measles—or any preventable disease—to reach our doorstep.
Act now. Vaccinate today. Protect your child. Protect your community.
Vaccines save lives—don’t wait. Vaccinate.
Dr Daokho Apao is Surveillance Medical Officer, World Health Organization-National Public Health Support Network, Imphal.