MEASLES
– SCI & TECH
News: From 6 to 543: What is behind the
surge in reported measles cases in the Capital?
What's
in the news?
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Under-reporting of cases along with Covid
lockdown in the last couple of years is the reason why the Capital is now
witnessing a significant spike in the number of measles cases along with the
number of fatalities.
Measles:
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It is a highly contagious viral disease that kills young children all over
the world.
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It is especially dangerous for children
from low-income families, as it targets malnourished children and those with
weakened immune systems.
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It can lead to blindness, encephalitis, severe
diarrhoea, ear infection, and pneumonia, among other serious complications.
Rubella:
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It is also called German Measles.
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Rubella is a contagious,
generally mild viral infection that occurs most often
in children and young adults.
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Rubella infection in pregnant women may
cause fatal death or congenital defects known as Congenital Rubella
Syndrome (CRS).
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Congenital Rubella Syndrome (CRS)
causes irreversible birth defects.
Transmission:
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It's a contagious illness spread by mucus and saliva.
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The virus is released into the air when a
measles-infected person sneezes or coughs.
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The measles virus can spread through the
air. As a result, anyone in that area could be infected by the virus.
Symptoms:
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Initial symptoms usually occur 10 - 12 days
after infection and comprise high fever, runny nose, bloodshot eyes and Koplik's spots (tiny white spots on the
inside of the mouth).
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Several days later, a rash develops and
the most severe complication includes blindness, encephalitis (an infection that
causes brain swelling), severe diarrhoea and pneumonia.
Treatment:
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There is no specific medical treatment.
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An established measles infection has no
treatment, but over-the-counter fever reducers or vitamin A may help with
symptoms.
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Measles vaccination falls under the Universal Immunization Programme. India has a target of eliminating the viral
disease by 2023.
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As per the guidance of National Health
Mission, in India, measles vaccination is given under the Universal
Immunization Programme at 9-12 months of age and the second dose at 16-24
months of age.
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The WHO recommends immunization for all
children with two doses of measles vaccine, either alone, or in a measles-rubella (MR) or
measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) combination.