Cause of Concern: Measles outbreak reported in Himachal’s Chamba distt
The Community News/Shimla
After four confirmed measles cases and 24 epi-linked cases were reported in four villages of Chamba district, the Health department swung into action and formed a committee to monitor the situation.
HP State Disaster Management Authority director Sudesh Kumar Mokhta said there has been a measles outbreak in District Chamba, with initial 4 cases of laboratory confirmation for measles.
“These cases have been reported from villages, Shillagrat, Katal and Chaloga from Block Pukhri and village Shaluin from block Choori, District Chamba.
Outbreak has been flagged on 17th April as per the Guidelines of WHO Surveillance for VPD. Public health response has been initiated on 19th April 2023 with immediate measures undertaken,” he added.
The Health department has constituted an epidemic response team which includes health officials and ASHA of the affected region.
Intensive active case search (ACS) in the areas to find out other suspected fever/ rash cases (of all age groups) with the deployment of 9 teams in the field.
Line list of any left out, dropout children (unvaccinated/ partially vaccinated) under 5 years children found during the Active case search and Planning of vaccination.
Ensuring 2 doses of vitamin A, 24 hr apart to the children with Fever and rash being found in ACS.
Informing affected families for isolation of children until 7 days after Rash onset.
Additional dose of MRCV to the contacts (siblings in the house) irrespective of previous two doses.
No samples for any additional suspected cases. Only epi-Link the new suspected cases.
Filling up OB-003 forms of all additional suspected cases and sharing with WHO unit.
Spot mapping of areas with positive cases for better understanding and timely containment of the spread.
Up till 25th April 2023, a total of 28 cases of fever with rash (4 lab confirmed and 24 Epi-linked) have been found, spread over villages Sangrera, Saloon, Katal, Kot, Charuni, Muswadi, Seri, Bhujiyara and Nihari, covering a population of more than 1500 across 21 villages.
Further, Vaccination camps are being organised by District Chamba as per the protocol in the areas. Daily review is being done with the District and WHO SMO NPSP for the completion of the activity as per the guidelines for Measles outbreak.
Presently there is no child in the Health institution for the management of Measles and all are in home isolation.
