Senapati denizens alerted on measles outbreak
Source: Chronicle News Service

Senapati, July 29 2025: Senapati district health authorities have reported outbreak of measles in and around the district headquarters, with confirmed cases emerging from multiple localities.

The public have been advised to remain vigilant as health officials respond swiftly.

In a circular issued by Senapati chief medical officer (CMO) Dr Percy Sumpi, since confirmation of the first case on June 20, 35 suspected cases have been detected in the district so far with 11 cases testing positive for measles, since returning negative, and 18 samples awaiting results.

Three significant clusters have been identified in Mount Everest, Emesiiphror Excise Gate, TNK Gate, Church Road Colony, DAV School, Yapao Colony, and Council areas.

Alarmingly, nine out of the 11 confirmed cases had not received any measles-containing vaccine, highlighting the vulnerability of unvaccinated individuals and the critical need for immunisation.

A rapid outbreak response has been activated, the CMO stated, while announcing that Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) from the district headquarters have been deployed to conduct active surveillance, including line-listing of all children under five years of age, verifying their vaccination status, and identifying and monitoring suspected cases in the community.

As part of the containment measures, the health department has emphasised that children with fever and rash should be kept at home for at least four days from the onset of the rash; schools and healthcare providers report any suspected measles cases (fever with rash) without delay to their respective health facilities; and parents check their child's vaccination records and ensure timely MR (Measles-Rubella) vaccination.

The public are also urged to be aware of the signs and take precautions against measles, cautioning that it is a highly contagious viral disease that spreads through coughing, sneezing, and close contact with infected individuals.

Symptoms usually appear 10-14 days after exposure and may include high fever, cough, runny nose, red and watery eyes, as well as a characteristic red rash that typically starts on the face and spreads downward, specified the CMO.

Some key measures to take regarding measles include ensuring children receive the MR vaccine as per the national immunisation schedule, isolating any person showing signs of measles to prevent further transmission, seeking immediate medical attention if symptoms arise, practising regular handwashing with soap, and covering the mouth and nose with a tissue or bent elbow when coughing or sneezing.

The circular further stated that health officials are monitoring the situation closely and sought public cooperation to limit the spread of the disease.

"Early detection, reporting, and immunisation are key to controlling this outbreak," it mentioned.

The public have been ad vised to direct any queries or report cases by contacting the District Immunization Office at 7085957728 or 9233027927, the district surveillance officer at 8730003732, or their local health worker.

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