Cases of Measles Confirmed in Ukhrul

Ukhrul: According to Dr. Pamza Luikham, Senior Medical Officer and District Immunization Officer, Ukhrul District, outbreak of measles disease in Ukhrul has been confirmed.

Dr. Pamza Luikham informed that “the case was first reported on March 19, 2024 and samples were taken on March 20, 2024, the samples was then sent to Guwahati for diagnosis confirmation and the result was received on April 5, 2024.

Accordingly, a circular was given out informing all parents of Ukhrul, that a case of Measles has been confirmed in Ukhrul Town. “Measles is a highly infectious disease, which can spread very easily from one child to another. So, if your child suffers from fever and rashes, consult a doctor at the earliest,” the circular stated.

An advisory note was also shared stating, “let your child stay at home, don’t send them to school and don’t let them mingle with their friends. Contact the given number +91 9612520323 or any nearest health care person for more information”

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Dr. Pamza Luikham informed that “Measles is a highly infectious disease with symptoms of fever, cough, conjunctivitis, coryza and rash. This disease is monitored as it is the marker for Vaccine Preventable Disease. As for Measles the herd immunity is 95% of the total population to be vaccinated with measles vaccine. Measles vaccine is given free of cost at 9 and 16-24 months free of cost at all Government Health facilities.”

Indian government had announced 2023 to be the elimination year for Measles, but due to cases being reported all over India, have extended the elimination by 6 months till June of 2024. Manipur has reported cases of Measles in districts of Thoubal, Imphal East and West this year, which has prompted ZEO of the respective districts to enquire about the vaccination status of a child during admission. Ukhrul ZEO, Thaimei Badan on February 29, 2024 had issued a notification to all the schools having pre-primary class of both Government and Private institutions that immunization certificate of a child shall be made mandatory during admission in pre-primary class. However, many schools seems to have ignored the notification.

Ukhrul has a Measles Vaccine uptake of about 73% as per data of February 2024.