Measles outbreak in Mumbai: 164 cases reported since September

India is under the grip of yet another measles outbreak. Seven suspected measles deaths have been reported in Mumbai since September 2022.

The BMC also reported 164 cases of viral infection during this period. Overall, the number of suspected measles cases in the city rose to 1,263 of which, 647 are children between the age of one to four.

India has the highest number of Measles cases in the world with 10,430 cases registered in 2019. But the numbers drastically came down during COVID with 5604 cases in 2020.

Measles is a highly contagious viral infection associated with high mortality in children under 2 years of age. The mortality is highest in children less than 2 years of age, malnourished children and non-immune adults.

The latest outbreak of measles is spread across eight civic wards in the city and the highest number of cases are from the M-East ward, which includes Govandi and surrounding areas. According to health officials, the symptoms of measles include fever, rash, cough, running nose and red eyes. However, It can also be deadly in some cases.

The trickiest part of the disease is that there is no particular cure for measles other than ensuring good hydration and medicines to control fever. This is where measles vaccination, especially for children becomes important, as it is the only solution available to contain the outbreak. The Government of India recommends 2 doses of measles-containing vaccine at 9 months and 16 months. The IAP recommends an additional booster at the age of 5 years.