Bihar: Vaccinate kids against measles, say experts

PATNA: The outbreak of measles in some parts of the world has worried health experts in the state too. Though no major hospital here has so far reported any new case of measles and chicken pox, the threat persists. According to doctors, a massive ant-measles immunisation campaign should be launched in the state to protect the children.
As per a recent report released by UNICEF, there has been a spike in measles cases worldwide. In fact, there has been 79% increase in the measles cases in the first two months of this year when compared to the same period last year, the report said. UNICEF has cited various factors for this outbreak, including disruption in routine immunisation because of Covid pandemic.
Though UNICEF has identified various countries facing the outbreak, India was not on the list. Noted paediatrician Dr Arun Shah said the threat was definitely there. “Like pulse polio programme, the government should launch a campaign to vaccinate children against measles,” Dr Shah said. “While chicken pox is endemic with low morbidity, measles is toxic with high morbidity,” he added.
While locals have complained of some chicken pox cases in Sultanganj locality here, no case of measles has been reported so far. Chicken pox and measles are two different diseases. While chicken pox is endemic, measles is deadly.
Paediatric department head at Patna Medical College and Hospital, Dr Anil Kumar Jaiswal, said in case of chicken pox, the spots are bigger and filled with fluid. In measles, they are smaller. Measles patients also complain of high-grade fever, cough, runny nose and watery eyes.
Dr Jaiswal said while measles vaccination is included in the government’s programme, vaccines against chicken pox are available only in the private sector.
“Many children do not get vaccinated against chicken pox due to cost factor. People avoid consulting a doctor or taking a child to the hospital in both measles and chicken pox cases because of the myth associated with the diseases. People think that ‘mata’ has come and avoid taking medical help. This myth has to be broken,” he added.