Daijiworld Media Network – Shillong

Shillong, Apr 21: With Measles claiming an estimated 100 to 200 lives in Bangladesh since March, neighbouring Meghalaya and other North Eastern states have intensified vaccination drives and surveillance to prevent any cross-border spread.

Health authorities have raised concern over the surge in suspected measles cases across the international border, with thousands of infections reported. According to reports supported by the World Health Organization and UNICEF, the outbreak has seen a sharp rise in transmission, prompting Bangladesh to launch an emergency measles-rubella vaccination campaign.

Experts attribute the resurgence to declining immunisation coverage during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, further aggravated by disruptions following the 2024 political unrest in Bangladesh.

A WHO Rapid Response Team member, Dr B Puspakarna, currently stationed in West Jaintia Hills, highlighted the risks of transmission during an orientation-cum-preparedness meeting held on April 17 at the Amlarem Sub-Divisional Office. He stressed the need for heightened vigilance in border areas.

Local health officials, however, sought to reassure residents. Dr A Khonglah, Health Officer of Amlarem, said only a few suspected cases have been reported in the region so far, with all samples testing negative. “There is no cause for panic at present, but early reporting is essential,” he said, urging people to promptly report symptoms such as fever accompanied by rash.

The meeting was attended by officials from the district administration, health department, Border Security Force, community leaders, ASHA workers, and Anganwadi staff, reflecting a coordinated response at multiple levels.

Authorities emphasised that children under five years of age are most vulnerable and called on parents to ensure timely administration of the measles-rubella (MR) vaccine. Officials noted that vaccination coverage must exceed 95 percent to achieve effective protection, while expressing concern over relatively lower uptake of the second dose.

Meanwhile, districts in Meghalaya have begun tightening surveillance. West Khasi Hills issued a directive last week, followed by similar orders in East Khasi Hills, mandating immediate reporting of all fever-with-rash cases across all age groups to enable swift response and containment.