news desk Laugh
According to the Global Health Organization (WHO) reports an outbreak of measles in Nepal.
Between 24 November 2022 and 10 March 2023, a total of 690 measles cases, including one associated death (CFR 0.14%), were reported from seven districts in western Nepal. Almost half of the cases (327, 47%) were reported from Banke district, Lumbini district, which borders India.
The majority of cases (n = 591; 86%) were reported in children <15 years of age. However, nine measles cases were also observed in the older age group (45 years) with the maximum age of the case being 73 years.
More than half of the cases (58%; n = 400) are not immunized.
An effective and safe vaccine is available for prevention and control. The first dose of measles-containing vaccine (MCV1) is given at nine months of age and the second dose of measles-containing second dose (MCV2) is given at 15 months. Coverage of 95% of the population for MCV1 and MCV2 is required to stop the spread of measles.
Measles, caused by a highly contagious virus, is transmitted from person to person through breathing, coughing, or sneezing. Signs and symptoms of measles include a rash, high fever, cough, and runny nose or red, watery eyes. People can spread measles up to 4 days before the rash appears and 4 days after. Measles can lead to serious complications, such as pneumonia (inflammation of the lungs), and even death.
