Maharashtra measles outbreak: Form task force; rope in religious leaders NGOs to spread awareness, minister tells officials

“Health machinery should be updated with the means to control the spread of measles in the state. A district wise task force will be formed to ensure that the outbreak of the disease is under control,” said Sawant after holding a meeting with officials from the state’s public health department via video conference.

With 13 deaths over the last month and a sharp spike in cases, Mumbai and its surrounding areas are staring at a measles outbreak. Until Wednesday, the city had reported 233 confirmed cases of which over 200 were reported in the last two months.

Sawant directed officials to undertake survey of children in the age-group of six months to five years by forming teams comprising officials in the department. “These children should be given an additional focus,” he said, adding that the task force will get a better idea about the spread of the disease in different districts once the survey is completed.

The authorities have also been asked to take steps to isolate children with malnutrition from those suffering with the disease. Directions have also been given to provide doses of Vitamin A + MR 1 and MR 2 in areas with higher number of measles cases.