Bihar Targets Eradication of Measles

After polio, Bihar has decided to eradicate measles by launching a special vaccination drive, say officials.

State Health Secretary Sanjay Kumar, who is also executive director of Bihar State Health Society, Sunday said the state will now focus to fight against measles by increasing routine immunization.

Measles | Rubeola - Causes, Symptoms, Complications, Diagnosis, Treatment, Prevention
Measles is a viral infection with symptoms of fever,and rashes. Measles is prevented by vaccination and staying away from the infected individuals.

"We are launching a measles catch-up campaign to vaccinate 13,433,835 children above 9 months and below 10 years of age with measles vaccine," he told media persons here at a media interaction organised here by Unicef.

Sanjay Kumar said the 21-day special campaign was to immunize more than 80 percent of the target age group, if not 100 percent.

He admitted that Bihar is one of the 14 Indian states where measles vaccine coverage is below 80 percent.

Measles Epidemic Kills 12 Children in Pakistan
In Pakistan's lawless tribal northwest, an outbreak of measles has killed 12 children, say sources.

Noting Bihar has remained polio-free for over two years, thanks to the state government's commitment supported by development partners in the polio eradication programme, Sanjay Kumar said: "Now, the focus is to work to increase rate of vaccination against measles in the state."

Measles is a highly infectious disease caused by virus and spreading from person to person through coughing and sneezing.

Mission on Measles in India, UN Misses Mark: Study
Target to reduce the death toll from measles was missed by UN countries, chiefly owing to poor vaccine coverage in India and outbreaks in southern Africa, The Lancet reported on Tuesday.

According to Unicef's health expert Ghanshyam Setty, it kills nearly 100,000 children every year in India.

Source-IANS

Babies Born To HIV Mothers More Likely To Succumb To Measles
To avoid acquiring measles or passing it on to others, non-infected babies born to HIV positive mothers should be vaccinated early against measles.