Measles alert sounded in Ukhrul
Source: Chronicle News Service / Lester Makang
Ukhrul, April 10 2024:
Medical Department of Ukhrul district has on Tuesday sounded alert as a case of Measles was confirmed recently in Ukhrul district headquarters.
Talking to The People's Chronicle over the phone, Ukhrul's senior medical officer/district immunization officer, Pamza Luikham informed that a case of Measles was confirmed from a child at Rayotang in Ukhrul town.
According to Luikham, the case was reported on March 19 and samples taken on March 20, which were then sent to Guwahati for Diagnosis confirmation and the result was received on April 5 .
He said that Measles is a highly infectious disease with symptoms of fever, cough, conjunctivitis, coryza and rash, adding that this disease is monitored as it is the marker for Vaccine Preventable Disease.
"As for Measles the Herd Immunity is 95 per cent of the total population to be vaccinated with Measles vaccine.
Measles vaccine is given free of cost at 9 months and 16-24 months at all government health facilities.
Ukhrul has Measles vaccine uptake of about 73 per cent as per the data of February 2024," he said.
The officer informed that government of India had announced 2023 to be the elimination year for Measles, but due to cases being reported in the country, extended the elimination target by 6 months till June of 2024."Manipur has reported cases of Measles in districts including Thoubal, Imphal East and Imphal West this year, which has prompted ZEO of the respective districts to enquire about the vaccination status of the children during admission" .
According to Luikham, Ukhrul ZEO also has issued the notification this year, but many private schools have ignored the notification.
He urged all the parents of Ukhrul, that a case of Measles has been confirmed at Ukhrul town.
"Since, measles is a highly infectious disease which can spread very easily from one child to another, if your child suffers from fever and rashes, let them stay at home, don't send them to school and don't let them mingle with their friends," he advised, adding that the most vulnerable category is children below 5 years of age.
He asked all to consult a doctor at the earliest and contact the number +919612520323 or nearest health care person for.
more information.