BMC forms panel to probe measles

Mumbai: The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has formed an investigating committee to probe the measles outbreak in central Mumbai after around 40 fresh cases were reported from areas with high rates of refusal to the recent vaccination programme.

Among the many pestilences are measles and rubella or morbilli, which are known to be highly contagious viral diseases that cause morbidity and mortality, especially in children. The reports hinted that areas with high rates of refusal to the vaccination programme have registered more cases.

Nearly 40 cases of measles have been reported from eight wards in Mumbai since January, which is a major concern for civic health authorities. It is reported that many areas in the city that have not been covered by the vaccination drive. This outbreak is a cluster of at least five cases from the same area.

According to the BMC, none of the patients clinically diagnosed with measles have been vaccinated against the disease. Dr Padmaja Keskar, executive health officer, BMC, confirmed that an investigation committee is probing the measles outbreak.

She said, “These cases are from areas where the people and school officials ha-ve repeatedly refused vaccinations. Clinical diagnosis is made on the basis of visible symptoms, like fever and rash. The National Institute of Virology (NIV) will confirm the presence of the virus after tests.”

The civic body has begun a survey in 500 households in the areas, where fresh cases of measles have been reported.