In response to an ongoing measles outbreak, the Senapati District Administration convened a multi-stakeholder meeting and awareness programme today at the DRDA Conference Hall. The meeting aimed to coordinate efforts to curb the spread of the infection and tackle rising vaccine hesitancy, a major contributor to the current health crisis.
The gathering brought together representatives from the Health Department, ICDS, schools, civil society organizations, churches, and religious leaders. Together, they discussed immediate strategies to contain the outbreak and promote immunization among children in affected areas.
As of July 31, a total of 54 suspected measles cases have been reported across the district since June. Of these, 11 have been confirmed, six tested negative, and 18 are awaiting results. The outbreak has been traced to specific clusters including Council River Colony and Phyamai Vabuh, TNK Gate and Yapao Colony near DV School, and the Mt. Everest area leading to Emesiiphro.
Alarmingly, ten of the eleven confirmed cases involved children who had not received a single dose of the measles vaccine. A rapid survey conducted in the affected localities revealed significant immunization gaps. In the Mt. Everest area, 28 percent of children were found unvaccinated, while 57 percent had received only partial doses. Other areas such as Yapao Colony and Old Monday Market reported similarly concerning statistics.
Health officials reiterated that measles is a highly contagious viral disease, spreading through airborne droplets and capable of remaining in the air for up to two hours. Symptoms include fever, rash, cough, runny nose, and red eyes, with the infectious period beginning four days before and lasting four days after the appearance of a rash. Complications can include pneumonia, diarrhea, blindness, encephalitis, and even death. The virus is also known to cause immune amnesia, weakening the body’s ability to fight future infections.
The meeting also recalled the tragic measles outbreak in Mumbai slums in December 2022, where 16 children lost their lives due to low vaccination coverage.
In Senapati, stakeholders committed to a coordinated response. The Health Department will lead investigation and treatment efforts, along with mass vaccination drives for children aged nine months to five years. Schools and ICDS centres will conduct surveillance and awareness campaigns, while religious leaders and civil society organizations pledged to combat misinformation and support families in accessing vaccines.
The district administration has urged all citizens and institutions to come together in ensuring every child is protected. “This is a shared responsibility,” officials said. “Let us act now to prevent further loss and secure a healthy future for our children.”