SHILLONG: A suspected Measles outbreak has been reported in the state and about eight cases were initially reported from Samin Rongal Village under Songsak PHC area of East Garo Hills district.
Till date 50 cases were identified in the district.
Measles and Rubella are highly infectious that can cause severe disabilities like blindness, brain fever, deafness, mental retardation and even death due to complications like chest infection and diarrhea, a statement issued by the government said.
Even after carrying out massive Measles Rubella (MR) vaccination campaign, the state is suffering from the outbreak.
The outbreak investigation was done by the district team on October 24 and 50 suspected cases were identified. Blood samples have been collected from five cases and also a throat swab. The samples have been sent to Guwahati Medical College for testing and results are expected soon. During the last couple of years, five outbreaks have been investigated in Meghalaya and three were confirmed as rubella while the other two were confirmed as measles.
The ongoing drive with the MR vaccine has already covered over 7,75,000 children across the state which is about 60 per cent of the total target of 12, 75,000.
The Health and Family Welfare Department appealed to all sections of the society to join hands and come forward to ensure that the government is able to immunise all children of the age from 9 months to 15 years.
