Even thougth Kerala, the neighbouring state his witnessed a major measles outbreak and proliferation of cases recnetly., coimbatore which shares borders with Kerala has nil cases of measles so far, and the "consition is stable" say Helath Experts
COIMBATORE: Kerala, the neighbouring state which shares border boundaries with Coimbatore, has reported a major measles out break and registered 125 Measles cases in just three weeks ending November 24.
While the viral disease spreads through direct contact and air, doctors and healthcare officials have been increasingly vigilant and taking all measures to check the spread of the viral disease in the city.
Even as Kerala has been the host of many viral- borne diseases that are prone to spread quickly to other states, doctors and healthcare experts in Coimbatore have assured that there is no cause for worry as the public health department is monitoring the situation and situation here is presently stable.
“There is nothing to panic in the city over the measles spread as we have not recorded a single case yet, due to the out break in Kerala" said Dr. Nirmala, Dean of Coimbatore Medical College Hospital, told Simplicity.
As per the symtoms of measles, high fever, muscle pain and a skin rashes on the face and upper neck are the ones that need to watched out for. The incubation period of the virus varies from one to two weeks.
A study by the World Health Organization (WHO) found that particulary children and adults over thirty are more prone to develop severe complications due to measles.
"Measles is a highly contagious disease that affects those who are immunocompromised and affects especilally kids" said Dr. Geetanjali, Chief Paediatrician in CMCH.
When asked, Dr. Nirmala said the city has a potent vaccines to prevent kids from being infected by measles, and also asked parents to be cautious.
"Once infected, the rash appears within 14 days of exposure and spreads from head to the neck and to the lower extremities" Dr. Nirmala said
However, doctors also said that affected patients become contagious from four days before, to four days after the rash appears on the body..
While the doctor advised children to get vaccinated to prevent the spread, she also added that Tamil Nadu public health department through its health network is vaccinating children twice after birth.
“We vaccinate children once in six months and again after the completion of fifteen months. However, we also vaccinate when they become adultsâ€, said Dr. Geetanjali.
A health officer at the district level who didn't want to be named told Simplicity that Parents need to be more vigilant and take their kids to get vaccinated rather deceiving themselves by saying there is no need vaccination as there are no cases in the city, presently.
WHO flags threat
World Health Organisatoin (WHO) and the Centre For Disease Control says In 2021 alone, a record high of nearly 40 million children missed a measles vaccine. While about 25 million children missed their first dose, and an additional 14.7 million children missed their second dose.
According to WHO children between six months to three years are more likely to be infected by Measles.
As per the WHO standards a good 95% over all vaccine coverage is necessary to prevent the outbreak.
While the viral disease spreads through direct contact and air, doctors and healthcare officials have been increasingly vigilant and taking all measures to check the spread of the viral disease in the city.
Even as Kerala has been the host of many viral- borne diseases that are prone to spread quickly to other states, doctors and healthcare experts in Coimbatore have assured that there is no cause for worry as the public health department is monitoring the situation and situation here is presently stable.
“There is nothing to panic in the city over the measles spread as we have not recorded a single case yet, due to the out break in Kerala" said Dr. Nirmala, Dean of Coimbatore Medical College Hospital, told Simplicity.
As per the symtoms of measles, high fever, muscle pain and a skin rashes on the face and upper neck are the ones that need to watched out for. The incubation period of the virus varies from one to two weeks.
A study by the World Health Organization (WHO) found that particulary children and adults over thirty are more prone to develop severe complications due to measles.
"Measles is a highly contagious disease that affects those who are immunocompromised and affects especilally kids" said Dr. Geetanjali, Chief Paediatrician in CMCH.
When asked, Dr. Nirmala said the city has a potent vaccines to prevent kids from being infected by measles, and also asked parents to be cautious.
"Once infected, the rash appears within 14 days of exposure and spreads from head to the neck and to the lower extremities" Dr. Nirmala said
However, doctors also said that affected patients become contagious from four days before, to four days after the rash appears on the body..
While the doctor advised children to get vaccinated to prevent the spread, she also added that Tamil Nadu public health department through its health network is vaccinating children twice after birth.
“We vaccinate children once in six months and again after the completion of fifteen months. However, we also vaccinate when they become adultsâ€, said Dr. Geetanjali.
A health officer at the district level who didn't want to be named told Simplicity that Parents need to be more vigilant and take their kids to get vaccinated rather deceiving themselves by saying there is no need vaccination as there are no cases in the city, presently.
WHO flags threat
World Health Organisatoin (WHO) and the Centre For Disease Control says In 2021 alone, a record high of nearly 40 million children missed a measles vaccine. While about 25 million children missed their first dose, and an additional 14.7 million children missed their second dose.
According to WHO children between six months to three years are more likely to be infected by Measles.
As per the WHO standards a good 95% over all vaccine coverage is necessary to prevent the outbreak.