Is the city ready to face a measles surge?

NT Correspondent

Bengaluru: Over 200 cases of measles have been recorded in Mumbai, with 13 deaths. Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Eknath Shinde has blamed the lack of vaccination behind the ongoing outbreak. The Union Health Ministry has asked states to consider administering an additional dose of measles and rubella vaccines to all children aged nine months to five years in vulnerable areas.

 Could such a breakout occur in Bengaluru too? What are the precautions one can take? Measles is an acute viral illness and spreads through respiratory droplets. Children below the age of five are the most vulnerable, especially those below the age of two. Children who have not been vaccinated are at a greatest risk, as it is the only mode of prevention.

If the children are vaccinated and do contract the disease, the illness will be mild. “ Cold, cough and fever are mild symptoms. This is followed by a characteristic rash which is flat, starts from the face, leading to the neck and then the whole body. It is also associated with redness of eyes and throat,”

Dr Yogesh Kumar Gupta, Consultant - Paediatrics, Fortis Hospital, Bannerghatta Road, explained the symptoms. However, the classic physical sign of the illness is Koplik spots which are white coloured spots seen in the oral cavity upon examination. Several illnesses can also present ear infections and have involvements of the brain too.

“As it is a viral infection, treatment is mostly supportive,” Dr Gupta said. Vitamin A supplements will help prevent complications along with the usual care of rest and therapy. However, it is important to vaccinate children as studies have shown that even though vaccines are not 100% effective, the child will report mild illness if affected.

Administration of the vaccine with a span of 72 hours of initial exposure will modify the clinical course of the illness and is generally recommended as a preventive tool. Mumbai has seen a surge in measles over the past few days, with most reported cases coming from lower socio-economic backgrounds.

Cases have also been reported from geographical areas that lack vaccination coverage, especially among children. Measles have also been reported in Malappuram district in Kerala, and the state government has urged parents to ensure that their children are vaccinated without fail.

Many lives can be saved if vaccination is done on time. It’s time for Bengaluru to buckle up and upgrade its vaccination drive.