German Measles stalks IE district
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, July 18 2009: Following outbreak of German Measles in some parts of Imphal East District for the first time in Manipur, the State Health Services has taken up necessary measures for mass vaccination.

Talking to The Sangai Express, Director of Health Services Dr W Motilal informed that for the first time in the State outbreak of German Measles in Khurai Puthiba area of Imphal East district has been confirmed from laboratory test of the samples conducted at National Institute of Communicable Disease (NICD), New Delhi.

Signs of German Measles

The laboratory testing on German Measles was confirmed on July 16, though the report was received here yesterday, Dr Motilal said.

However, the test conducted at Indian Council of Medical Research at Dibrugarh on the urine samples and the throat swabs collected from Khurai Lairikyengbam Leikai following suspected outbreak of Measles in first week of last months have been found to be negative, he added.

Following suspected cases of Measles outbreak in Khurai Lairikyengbam Leikai, health workers have screened 832 children who in the age group of 3 to 13 years in the neighbouring Khurai Puthiba Leikai as well.

During the screening, 30 children were found with signs of fever and the samples of nine children were send to NICD on June 15 for testing of possible German Measles.

All the nine samples were positive.

The result of the test conducted at NICD after the samples were send by the Integrated Disease Services Project, which is under the Department of Health Services, was received yesterday, Dr Motilal informed.

Based on the result, the Director of Health Services has written to the State Government with the recommendation for including vaccination for MMR Measles, Mumps and Rubella in the normal immunisation of the children even as the Health Services have taken up necessary measures towards combating spread of the disease along with deployment of health workers far and wide in screening more number of suspected cases among the children and find out origin of the outbreak.

Confirming report of out-break of German Measles, Health Minister Ph Parijat, said public should not panic over the outbreak of the disease even if for the first time in Manipur as provision for MMR vaccination would be included in the routine immunisation programme.

According to doctors of Health Services, symptoms of German Measles include fever marked by distinct red spots followed by rashes.

Once affected the viral disease lasts for 3-4 days.

It is a contagious viral disease that spreads through saliva droplets from sneezing and coughing as well as mucus.

In case of male child, the virus attacks the heart while it may even lead to blindness in case of female child.

outbreak of German Measles is common summer, the doctors informed, adding that in case of infection among pregnant mothers, it may cause deformity to the foetus.

Meanwhile, report has been received regarding admission of a patient at PHC Moreh with symptoms similar to that of Chicken Pox.