After COVID-19, measles in Mumbai causes distress, total cases reach 475

Mumbai can’t seem to catch a break. With COVID-19 just out of picture, another deadly virus, measles is looming over our beach city. So far, Mumbai has detection three new cases that took the tally to 475, stated Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). The city also reported 5 deaths, though it’s cause is still to be confirmed.

To curb the spread of this deadly disease and protect children, BMC is organising multiple vaccination drives against measles in Mumbai. These drives will runs alongside routine immunisations throughout the city.

Standing tall on its mission to vaccinate maximum toddlers, so far, BMC has successfully vaccinated 10,878 children with MR 1 vaccine and 8,973 with the MMR vaccine through routine immunisation. Through BMC’s additional immunisation drive in motion since November, 15,850 kids have received the MR 1 vaccine and 9,576 kids received the MMR vaccine. 

Additionally, BMC has also undertaken a three-point programme to control the measles outbreak. This includes search of the suspected cases of measles, speedy immunisation of children who have missed a vaccine shot or not taken any dose and spreading awareness about the inoculation.

The viral disease has spread in 17 localities across 8 wards out of 24 in the Mumbai. With maximum effects seen in M-east ward including areas like Govandi and Deonar, L-ward containing Kurla and Chunabhatti are not far behind.

Mumbai has witnessed a multi-fold rise in the cases of measles this year as against 25 cases recorded in 2020. The recent death of a 5 month old boy from the eastern suburb of Govandi has shaken the state. It took the number of confirmed deaths from the infection in Mumbai to nine. In light of this, the BMC aims to reach out to every child in order to protect them from measles. 

To ensure this, they are collecting informing regarding children who are homeless, or either living under bridges or on footpaths. With focusing on migrating population, for example those who work at construction sites, BMC is planning to organise vaccination camps next to their locality.