Amid reports on outbreak of Measles and Rubella in Dimapur, the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Dimapur, Dr. Limatula Aier has said there has been no such outbreak. She said the outbreak occurred during May-June-July this year when a total of 53 measles and three Rubella cases were confirmed but not as reported in section of the media. She further informed that the CMO office was now conducting Outreach Response Immunization in 34 urban colonies from October 7 to 13.
She said that under the special immunization drive, children between 9 months to 5 years were being immunized with one dose of MR vaccine, irrespective of their previous immunization status in order to prevent any potential future outbreaks. She informed that during the survey only around two cases were detected in five localities. Dr. Aier appealed to the public not to panic, assuring that CMO office was taking all necessary precautionary measures.
Owing to reports in section of the local media, worried parents were seen rushing to have their minor children vaccinated as prevention against measles.
Rubella is a contagious viral infection best known by its distinctive red rash. It is also called German measles or three-day measles. The disease can spread through direct contact with the saliva or mucus of an infected person or through the air by respiratory droplets produced from coughing or sneezing. Symptoms often appear two to three weeks after exposure and also include mild fever and headache.