Measles outbreak confirmed in Tizit Block

Health Department intensifies surveillance and vaccination drive

Mon, September 25 (MExN): The Health Department has intensified surveillance, vaccination and awareness activities in Tizit Block of Mon district following the detection of laboratory-confirmed measles cases.

A block-level meeting was held at the Community Health Centre (CHC), Tizit on September 21, under the leadership of Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Dr Supongmenla Walling and District Programme Manager (DPM) Moie Bonnie Konyak to review the outbreak situation and finalise the response strategy, Leeyan Chemshy Media Coordinator NHM Mon said.

The meeting deliberated on revision of the immunisation micro-plan and coordination with the World Health Organization (WHO) regional team. Health personnel from all units under Tizit Block were directed to attend with updated immunisation micro-plans and lists of unvaccinated children to facilitate effective planning, officials said.

Following the meeting, a WHO team comprising Dr M A Hazhar, Surveillance Medical Officer (SMO), WHO Mokokchung, and Dr Jayaseelan Vedamuthu, Surveillance in-charge, NE region, visited Tizit Block for a field investigation to assess the outbreak and support ongoing surveillance measures in coordination with district health authorities.

The WHO team and health officials later met ADC Mon Pakon Phom, to strengthen coordination between the Health Department and the district administration, particularly on public awareness activities and dissemination of information to the affected villages, it said.

The ADC agreed to issue necessary instructions and facilitate distribution of awareness materials to village authorities as and when they become available, the release said.

According to the containment plan, the measles vaccination drive will commence by October 12, preceded by awareness activities. Children aged 5 to 10 years will be vaccinated in schools, while children below five years will be covered through Anganwadi centres and home visits. Updated school enrolment data and lists of unvaccinated children are being compiled to ensure comprehensive coverage.

Schools have been directed to promptly report any student or staff member showing fever and rash or other suspected symptoms to the nearest health facility. Individuals suspected or confirmed to have measles have been asked to remain in home or appropriate isolation and avoid schools, workplaces, public gatherings and public transport while infectious, until cleared by the competent health authority.

The Health Department has urged the public to remain vigilant and seek prompt medical attention if fever accompanied by rash develops, and appealed to parents, teachers, village authorities and community leaders to cooperate with health workers and support the upcoming vaccination drive.

The district administration and the Health Department reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening surveillance, ensuring vaccination coverage and containing the outbreak through coordinated public health action.