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| How You Can Protect your Children From Measles |
Although there have been isolated measles cases recorded over the last few years, experts warn a big outbreak of the illness in many areas of the nation requires quick response and fast containment measures.
A measles epidemic is occurring in a few districts in at least five states in India. Measles is an acute viral respiratory disease that affects and occasionally kills young children, leading authorities to take fast action to safeguard the most susceptible youngsters.
More than 1,200 children are unwell in Mumbai alone as a result of the epidemic, which is being recorded in the nation for the first time in a long time. The illness is characterized by fever, malaise, and body rashes. At least 12 children have already died as a result of the outbreak.
The sickness has not yet been linked to any confirmed child fatalities in any other regions of the nation, however, Ranchi in Jharkhand, Malappuram in Kerala, Nuh in Haryana, and Ahmedabad in Gujarat have all experienced a high number of hospitalizations among children. Authorities are concerned about the epidemic because it might jeopardize efforts to eradicate the illness from India by 2023, both at the federal and state levels.
Why is measles a dangerous disease?
Measles may be prevented with vaccination, but it can have catastrophic consequences for young infants. The extremely infectious illness can manifest almost 10–14 days after exposure and is disseminated via the air by respiratory droplets produced by coughing or sneezing. Some of the symptoms include a red, blotchy skin rash, fever, runny nose, itchy eyes, itchy throat, and cough. An existing measles infection cannot be cured, but symptoms may be managed with over-the-counter antipyretics (fever reducers) or vitamin A supplements.
Most infected children, especially those who are partially or completely immunized, recover, but others who go on to develop pneumonia and brain swelling may pass away. In children who have received all recommended vaccinations, the sickness is relatively uncommon.
The co-chair of the India expert Group on Measles and Rubella and a virologist, Dr. T. Jacob John, noted that while the case fatality rate for measles is typically 1-3 percent, it may reach 5-10 percent during outbreaks. He said that because measles affects the body's immunity for years, additional illnesses in certain children can be lethal even months after they have recovered.
What is the measles vaccination that is available?
The measles and rubella (MR) vaccine is provided as part of the Union government's Universal Immunization Programme in two doses: the first one is given between 9 and 12 months of age, and the second is given between 18 and 24 months.
According to estimates by the World Health Organization and the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund, 89 percent of Indians received the first dose of the MR vaccine, while 82 percent received the second dosage.
The MMR vaccination, which protects against measles, mumps, and rubella, is also offered in the private sector.
In all likelihood, the present epidemic may be the result of a lapse in MR vaccine coverage in 2020 and 2021 owing to Covid-19-related interruptions, lockdown, and the ensuing impact on the government's UIP, according to a senior pediatrician and medical researcher Dr. HPS Sachdeva.
How can you safeguard your child?
All children should receive the MR vaccination twice, at ages 9 to 12 months and 18 to 24 months. On the other hand, the Indian Academy of Paediatricians recommends the MMR vaccination in three doses, the first at 9 months, the second at 15 months, and the third between 4 and 6 years.
According to Sachdeva, residents of the impacted areas can take certain precautions to lessen the risk of illness for their young children. For example, it is crucial to fully avoid crowds in affected areas. The use of masks should be encouraged whenever feasible, and there should be community surveillance to detect unwell children, he said.
What steps is the government doing to put a stop to the epidemic?
The Union government has now decided to provide an additional dose of the MR vaccine to all children between the ages of 9 months and 5 years in vulnerable areas, which includes regions that are showing a recent rise in the number of measles cases. This decision is part of the measles outbreak management initiative. The primary vaccine regimen calls for two doses, plus this one.
States will shortly inform the districts or regions where an additional dosage of the MR vaccination is advised, according to the Center. Additionally, in locations where young babies account for more than 10% of all cases, a dose of this vaccination will be provided to children aged 6–9 months because many children reporting illnesses are under 9 months old and hence ineligible for the MR vaccine.
While the infants will eventually require their standard immunization at the recommended age, this dosage will provide an additional layer of protection. The clusters where infants aged 6 to 9 months will get MR immunization are going to be identified and announced by the states. The government's prompt decision to administer a second dosage of the MR vaccine, according to Sachdeva, was reasonable.
