Measles outbreak hits Senapati
Source: The Sangai Express

Senapati, July 29 2025: The district health authorities Senapati has sounded Measles outbreak alert in the district headquarters with confirmed cases emerging from multiple localities.

Measles is a highly contagious, vaccine-preventable viral disease characterized by fever, cough, runny nose, and a distinctive rash.

It is spread through respiratory droplets and can cause serious complications, especially in young children and individuals with weakened immune systems.

With the first case reported on June 20, the district health authorities have confirmed 11 cases.

So far, the district has recorded 35 suspected cases - of which 11 have tested positive for measles, said Dr Percy Sumpi, CMO Senapati in a statement.

While six samples tested negative, the results of the remaining 18 samples are awaited, said the CMO.

The health authorities have, meanwhile, identified at least three clusters of measles in areas surrounding Mount Everest, Emesiphro and Excise Gate, TNK Gate, Church Road Colony, DAV School, Yapao Colony and Council area.

Significantly, it has been learnt that 9 of the 11 confirmed cases had not received vaccine, exposing the vulnerability of unvaccinated individuals.

Alerted, the district health authorities have activated a rapid outbreak response with Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) deployed to conduct active surveillance including-line listing of all children under 5 years of age, verification of vaccination status, and identification and monitoring of suspected cases in the community.

The district health authorities have also issued guidelines for the public and schools to contain the outbreak.

Children with fever and rash should be kept at home for at least 4 days from the onset of rash (Day 0 being the day rash first appears), said the health authorities.

Schools and healthcare providers must report any suspected measles cases (fever with rash) without delay to respective health facilities.

Parents should check their children's vaccination records and ensure timely MR (Measles-Rubella) vaccination, said the authorities.

What is Measles?

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease characterized by fever, cough, runny nose, and a distinctive rash.

It is spread through respiratory droplets and close contact with the infected individuals.

Symptoms


Initial symptoms (10-14 days after exposure): Fever, cough, runny nose, and red eyes Koplik's spots: (small, white spots with blue-white centers) may appear inside the mouth before the rash.

A rash typically appears 3-5 days after the initial symptoms, starting on the face and spreading downwards.

The rash is characterized by flat, red spots that may become raised or merge into blotches.

Transmission

Measles is spread through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

The virus can remain in the air for up to 2 hours after an infected person leaves the area.

The virus can also be transmitted through direct contact with infected nasal or throat secretions.

Vaccination: The Measles-Rubella (MR) vaccine is a live, attenuated vaccine used to protect against measles and rubella, two highly contagious viral diseases.

Avoiding contact: Avoid close contact with individuals who have measles.

Hygiene: Practice good hygiene, such as frequent handwashing.

Dos

Ensure children receive the MR vaccine as per the National Immunization schedule
Isolate any person showing signs of measles to prevent further transmission
Seek immediate medical attention if symptoms arise
Practice regular hand washing with soap, cover mouth and nose with a tissue or bent elbow when coughing or sneezing
Don'ts
Do not send children with fever and rash to school or public gatherings
Do not delay in reporting suspected cases to health authorities
Do not delay vaccination
The District Immunization Office may be contacted on 7085957728/9233027927.District Surveillance Officer may be contacted on 8730003732 .

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