Measles outbreak creates havoc in Mumbai; 184 cases & 9 deaths reported so far

With the ongoing Measles outbreak in Maharashtra and the resultant chaos, the latest victim tally has already crossed 184 cases of the virus in Mumbai. Nine deaths have also been reported in the state capital city so far, according to civic authorities.

Even with a controlled grip over COVID cases, there's hardly any respite for the localities from other viruses. Maharashtra has, reportedly, registered some 29 outbreaks (cluster of cases) in 2022 as against one last year. The graph has peaked the state this year with 500+ cases in comparison to 193 in 2020 and 92 last year.

Huge population, poor living conditions, dearth of appropriate healthcare services, low immunity, lack of sanitation facilities and nutrition, missed vaccine doses, and hesitance to inoculation, are a few of the leading causes for the outbreak of measles, said civic officials in a report.

While Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is conducting door-to-door awareness campaigns and MMR (Measles, Mumps and Rubella) vaccination camps to eradiate the same, efforts have also been made in the state to review and improve the condition of the hospitalised patients. A 3-point programme has also been undertaken to control the outbreak.

BMC's executive health officer Dr Mangala Gomare stated that the programme incorporates search of suspected cases of the virus, speedy immunisation of children who missed vaccine shots, and spreading awareness about the inoculation.

“In a household survey of 0 to 2 years old children, it was found that about 20,000 children have missed either their first or second dose of the vaccine. We are organising additional sessions for them,” Dr Gomare added.

Measles, an acute respiratory viral illness, has been established as one of the major causes of pneumonia, immunity loss, diarrhea, and so on, which makes children immune to hazardous diseases and malnutrition.

All parents and guardians have been requested by the health authorities to provide vaccination for children up to 15 years of age for measles.