Measles Outbreak in Mumbai: How to Prevent It

Posted on: Dec 9, 2022 | | Written by:

Measles Outbreak in Mumbai: How to Prevent It

Published on December 09, 2022. EST READ TIME: 4 minutes

COVID-19 has hogged the headlines and attention of the world over the past 3 years. In the aftermath of this global pandemic, certain previously ‘under-control’ diseases have begun to resurface. Recent reports of new infections of Measles in and around the Mumbai Metropolitan area have given rise to fresh concerns. This disease has long been thought of as a ‘child’s’ disease, and an affordable vaccine is available for its prevention. In this blog, we will examine the latest outbreak and learn more about this disease.

What is Measles?

Measles is an acute respiratory infection caused by ‘Paramyxovirus.’ It is airborne and highly contagious. In fact, Measles is considered one of the world’s most contagious diseases. The virus first infects a person’s respiratory tractand subsequently spreads throughout the body. It can cause serious health problems and can even be fatal for children. Notwithstanding the availability of a vaccine, more than 140, 000 people, particularly children under the age of 5 years, succumbed to Measles in 2018 globally.

What are the symptoms of Measles?

According to the WHO, the symptoms of Measles become evident between 10 and 14 days after exposure to the virus. Signs and symptoms of the disease include the following:

1. Fever

2. Dry cough

3. Sore throat and runny nose

4. Conjunctivitis or pink eye

5. Rashes that are typically raised and can flow into one another

Please note that children infected with the virus can generally infect otherswithin the first four days of fever or once the rashes manifest.

Current Measles outbreak in and around the Mumbai Metropolitan Area

According to variousnews reports, there were 323 cases of Measles, with 15 deaths as of Dec 1, 2022.The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation had earlier surveyed 53,66,144 households, and there were (until publication) 4,062 suspected Measlescases reported.Mumbai recorded 37 outbreaks from 16 civic wards.

Measles in a metropolis like Mumbai isn’t a typically unknown infection. The authorities have requested the public not to panic while the Centre and State health machinery is gearing up to deal with the situation.

What is the Government doing about the MeaslesOutbreak?

The central and state governments are in close contact,monitoring the situation as it develops. A team of virologists, doctors and experts is already in the city to ascertain and help the state government’s efforts. The Maharashtra government has declared that Mumbai will inoculate more than 1.5 lakh children between the ages of 9 months and 5 years in a special Measles vaccination drive. This additional (special) dose has been disseminated from December 1, 2022. The inoculation drive will be conducted in two phases in 33 health centres.

How to Prevent Measles?

Measles can be prevented with vaccination. There are two types of vaccines - the Measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine and the Measles, mumps, rubella, varicella (MMRV) vaccine.

1. MMR Vaccine: The MMR vaccine should be administered to children in two doses – the 1st dose around the age of 12 - 15 months and the 2nd around 4 - 6 years. There should be an interval of 28 days between the two doses. While one dose provides nearly 93% protection, two doses are 97% effective.

2. MMRV Vaccine: This is also given to children between 12 months to 12 years of age. While the 1st shot is given between 12 - 15 months, the 2ndshot is administered between 4 and 6 years of age. The time gap between the shots should be 3 months.

Instead of MMRV, some children might opt for separate shots of MMR and Varicella. If a child has not been vaccinated, Measles can still be prevented by giving the vaccine within three days of exposure to the virus.

What can be done to Treat/Alleviate Symptoms of Measles?

The following are a few measures that can be used to treat/alleviate the symptoms of Measles.

1. Check and update your child’s immunisation schedule. Check for Rubella/Measles immunisation.

2. In the event of exposure, a post-exposure vaccine may be administered. This slows the virus down and can reduce the severity of the disease.

3. While there is no topical treatment for the rashes caused by Measles, wash clothes in warm water; certain topical lotions like Calendula can help relieve itching.

4. Plenty of rest is recommended.

5. Your doctor may prescribe medicines to reduce fever, like Paracetamol.

6. Doctors also recommend increasing water intake, oral rehydration solutions (ORS) and fruit juices.

7. The use of a humidifier can help reduce cough and provide relief for sore throat.

Conclusion

Health is the fundamental right of every person. Healthcare costs, especially in a post-pandemic situation, can be astronomical. As a responsible family member, updating your family health insurance should be on your priority list, whether it is Measles or any other medical emergency. Vaccination can prevent childhood diseases like Measles, but should hospitalisation become imminent, you will need your individual health insurance and family health insurance to be up-to-date. Remember the age-old adage that prevention is always better than cure, and health insurance is a cover that any responsible family needs to invest in.

Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purpose only. For more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.

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