Measles Outbreak in Mumbai: Know All About The Disease, Its Symptoms, And Precautions

After three kids pass away within two days, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) confirms an outbreak of measles in Mumbai's slums.

Measles Outbreak in Mumbai: Know All About The Disease, Its Symptoms, And Precautions

Source : Getty

New Delhi: Measles is a highly contagious disease that spreads quickly, is dangerous for children, and can even be fatal. This disease, often known as rubeola, is characterised by a high temperature and red rashes. After three kids pass away within two days, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) confirms an outbreak of measles in Mumbai's slums. Along with informing all healthcare facility providers to report cases, they also carried out particular surveillance in five neighbourhoods in and around Govandi.

Five-year-old Hasnain Khan, three-and-a-half-year-old Noorain Khan, and one-year-old Fazal Khan, who happened to be from Rafi Nagar in M East ward of Govandi, died between October 26 and 27.

What is measles?

Initially affecting the respiratory system, measles is a highly contagious sickness. One of the biggest causes of death worldwide, it can only be avoided via vaccination. The virus belongs to the paramyxovirus family, which first affects the respiratory system before spreading to other parts of the body through the blood. 

According to Dr. Bharat, "Children are more prone to getting infected as they lack immunity as strong as that of an adult. The measles virus is quite deadly as well as when it multiplies it weakens and damages the respiratory system." 

Symptoms of Measles:

The initial symptom of measles is typically a high fever that starts approximately 10 to 12 days after exposure to the virus and lasts for 4 to 7 days. In the beginning, symptoms include a runny nose, cough, red and watery eyes, and little white spots inside the cheeks can appear.

A rash appears after a few days, generally on the face and upper neck which gradually develops over three days, finally touching the hands and feet. It lasts for 5 to 6 days before going away. 

Who all are at a risk?

• Young children who have not received the measles vaccine are most susceptible to the disease and its fatal complications. 
• Pregnant women who are not immunised are also in danger. 
• Anyone who is non-immune (who has not had a vaccination or who received a vaccination but did not develop immunity) can become infected.
• In nations that are experiencing or recovering from a natural disaster or conflict, measles outbreaks can be especially dangerous. 

Prevention from measles:

Key public health measures to lower measles mortality worldwide include routine childhood vaccination against the disease and massive immunisation drives in nations with high case and death rates. Measles vaccination has been available for about 60 years. It is affordable, efficient, and safe.