With over 3,06,000 cases of measles reported across the globe in 2023, noting a 79% increase from 2022, the World Health Organization has raised concerns over the rapid spread of the infection. Further, the UN health agency has warned against a possible measles outbreak by the end of 2024.
“We in the measles world are extremely concerned,” said Natasha Crowcrof, a WHO technical adviser on measles and rubella. In a recent media briefing, she warned that more than half of all countries globally are currently believed to be at high risk of measles outbreaks by the end of the year. Besides, over 142 million children are estimated to be susceptible to falling ill.
This concern comes in as the global measles vaccine rates have slipped to 83 per cent, according to WHO. The disruption in the immunization schedules of millions of children during the COVID-19 pandemic increases the risk of a measles outbreak by two-fold.
India has also witnessed a surge in measles cases in 2023 and the government took up measles vaccination campaigns targeting unvaccinated children. “In India, currently, the number of cases of children infected by measles is not alarming. Hence, one need not worry about measles outbreak,” assures Dr Upendra S Kinjawadekar, immediate past president of the Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP) and pediatrician from Mumbai. Further, he emphasizes the urgent need for vaccination that can prevent future measles outbreaks and save many lives.
Measles, vaccine-preventable
Measles is a highly contagious air-borne disease caused by a virus that mostly affects children. The outbreak is easily preventable with two doses of measles vaccine, advises WHO.
If left untreated, it can cause complications including respiratory infections such as pneumonia, diarrhea, blindness, brain swelling, and ear infections.
Who is at risk?
“Primarily, those who are not vaccinated and the immunocompromised are at the highest risk,” says Dr Kinjawadekar. He adds that those living in overcrowded places, poor socio-economic living conditions, and those with malnutrition, also become the vulnerable lot.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, US points out that children younger than five years of age and adults older than 20 years of age are more likely to suffer from complications caused by the measles outbreak.
Early signs and symptoms of measles
The earliest signs of measles show 7-14 days after being infected by the virus, say experts. The typical signs include:
- Fever with a rash
- Maculopapular rash (characterized by a flat appearance accompanied by bumps).
- Cough and runny nose
- Redness in the eyes and water discharge
The rashes typically spread from behind the ear and gradually go down the shoulder, chest, and legs. Some children may develop tiny white spots (Koplik spots) inside the mouth, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, US.
Treat, isolate, and avoid the spread
Measles spreads rapidly through coughing and sneezing. An infected child can spread measles to others from four days prior to and after the onset of rashes.
Dr Sanjeev Ahuja, pediatrician, Dr LH Hiranandani Hospital, Mumbai says that for children tested positive for measles, vitamin A supplements are given orally within 14 days of diagnosis. “Multivitamin supplements are also part of the treatment regime,” says Dr Ahuja. He added that the infected child needs to be isolated to prevent the spread.
Measles and preventive measures
The most effective way to prevent an outbreak is vaccination, recommends Dr Kinjawadekar. The vaccine schedule for a child against measles is in two doses — in the ninth and sixteenth month. The vaccine is covered under the measles and rubella (MR) vaccine or the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine, the former covered under the National Immunization schedule in India.
In 2023, Maharashtra, which had seen a measles outbreak started inoculation against it by vaccinating the children below five years of age who missed their first or second dose of vaccination, irrespective of an outbreak in that area.
Maintaining hygiene in food, water, and sanitation is crucial, stresses Dr Kinjawadekar. He also says maintaining a high-protein diet is beneficial.
Eating a healthy diet, rich in protein and Vitamin A can provide protection against measles and other nutritional deficiencies too. Dr Kinjawadekar specifically points out that vitamin A-rich food such as green leafy vegetables, carrots, beetroots, oranges, nuts, and seeds can immunize the child against measles, along with vaccination.
Takeaways
- Vaccination (MMR vaccine or MR vaccine) can prevent the viral infection.
- The recent outbreak has raised concerns about the contagious air-borne infection measles, which can cause serious health complications in children.
- The disruption of the measles vaccine schedule was seen during the pandemic.
- Children and immunocompromised are at risk of developing this infection.
(With inputs from AFP)
