As the tally of confirmed cases of measles in Mumbai surged to 142 on Tuesday, with seven suspected associated deaths since October 26 – the highest number recorded in Mumbai in recent years – the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) advised parents to immediately immunise their younger children with measles-rubella (MR) vaccines. On Monday, an one-year-old boy from Null Bazar in Pydhonie, who was on a ventilator at Kasturba hospital, became the latest victim of the infection. The cause of death was septicemia with acute renal failure, combined with measles bronchopneumonia. “So far, four suspected deaths by measles have been reported at Kasturba hospital and two at Rajawadi hospital. One patient had died at home,” said an official. “These reports will be presented to the death review committee, which will confirm if these deaths were related to measles,” the official added. The BMC has identified around 20,000 children in the nine months to five year age group, who haven’t taken the scheduled MR vaccines. As per the National Health Mission, in India, first dose of measles vaccination is given under universal immunisation programme at 9-12 months of age. The second dose is administered at 16-24 months of age. Municipal commissioner Iqbal Singh Chahal on Tuesday advised the public to get their children immunised if they have missed their scheduled MR-1 and MR-2 jabs on priority. “We will be approaching all political leaders, local corporators and maulanas to create awareness related to vaccines. they will convince parents to get their children immunised,” he said. He added that with 15,000 beds in civic-run hospitals, there wouldn’t be any shortage of beds. However, doctors cautioned that children should be careful for two weeks after taking the vaccines. “It takes at least 15 days for the body to produce antibodies. So, the children need be extra cautious till then,” said Dr Bakul Parekh, former president of Indian Academy of Paediatrics. Dr Mangala Gomare, BMC executive health officer, said that 12 outbreaks (cluster of cases) have been confirmed in Mumbai, of which five have been reported in Govandi. “Anganwadi workers, community healthcare workers and NGO volunteers have been appointed to undertake surveillance and hold vaccination camps. We have roped in an Urdu doctor from WHO to spread awareness about vaccines in Govandi,” she added. As per BMC data, there are 1,037 suspected measles cases at in city. The BMC has increased the number of beds to over 100 for such patients – 86 in Kasturba Gandhi hospital, 10 at Shatabdi hospital in Govandi and seven in Rajawadi hospital. So far, the outbreak has been witnessed in eight wards but nearly 80 per cent of the cases have been recorded in M East ward that covers Govandi.
