State records 2,692 measles cases in 2022, highest in country

Measles, a highly contagious viral disease that affects mostly children, is among the leading causes of death and disability among children. The National Immunisation Programme specifies that the vaccine be administered twice, at 9 and 15 months of age.

The disease is preventable but a lapse in vaccination amid the Covid-19 pandemic, made children with low immunity (especially in the slums) vulnerable to it. Around 13 children lost their lives to the infection.

The Indian Express, last year, reported how in October when the outbreak began, Mumbai recorded only 41 percent anti-measles vaccine coverage. In the April-October last fiscal, against the target of giving 1,71,890 children the first jab, Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) managed to vaccinate only 73,120 (42.5 per cent). Similarly, against the target of vaccinating 1,69,872 children with the second dose, only 70,102 (41.2 per cent) were vaccinated.

“During the pandemic, the national immunization programme took a back seat. This negligence cost many children their lives. I hope, the government and corporation have learnt their lesson and will refrain from a repeat,” said Shaikh Faiyaz Alam, president of NGO Govandi New Sangam Welfare Society from M-East ward that reported the maximum cases.

In a precautionary measure, the public health department has already instructed districts to focus on the immunisation programme. “We are holding camps in schools and also in far-off rural areas. We have already crossed 90 percent of the target,” said a senior officer from the health ministry.