Following the detection of laboratory-confirmed measles cases in Tizit Block, Mon district, the Health Department has intensified measures to contain the outbreak through enhanced surveillance, vaccination, public awareness and coordinated action with the district administration.
A block-level meeting was convened at the Community Health Centre (CHC), Tizit, on September 21 under the leadership of Dr. Supongmenla Walling, Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Mon, and Moie Bonnie Konyak, District Programme Manager (DPM), to review the outbreak situation and strengthen the response.
The meeting reviewed the current status of the outbreak, revision of the immunisation micro-plan and coordination with the World Health Organization (WHO) regional team. Health personnel from all health units under Tizit Block were directed to attend with updated immunisation micro-plans and lists of unvaccinated children to facilitate effective planning and implementation of vaccination activities.
Following the meeting, a WHO team visited Tizit Block to conduct a field investigation and assess the outbreak situation. The team comprised Dr. M A H Azhar, MD, Surveillance Medical Officer (SMO), WHO Mokokchung, and Dr. Jayaseelan Vedamuthu, Surveillance In-charge, NE Region.
The team conducted field-level assessments and reviewed the outbreak situation while supporting ongoing surveillance and response measures in coordination with district health authorities.
Following the field investigation, the WHO team and health officials held a meeting with the district administration, represented by Additional Deputy Commissioner, Mon, Pakon Phom. Discussions focused on strengthening coordination between the Health Department and district administration, particularly in carrying out public awareness activities and disseminating information to affected villages.
The ADC agreed to issue necessary instructions and facilitate dissemination of awareness materials to the respective village authorities as and when the materials become available.
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As part of the containment measures, the Health Department has scheduled a measles vaccination drive to commence by October 12, with awareness activities to be conducted ahead of the campaign.
Vaccination for children aged 5 to 10 years will be carried out in schools, while children below five years will be covered through Anganwadi centres and home visits.
To ensure comprehensive immunisation coverage, updated school enrolment data and lists of unvaccinated children will be compiled. Schools have also been directed to promptly report any student or staff member developing fever and rash or other suspected symptoms to the nearest health facility.
Individuals suspected or confirmed to have measles have been advised to remain at home or in appropriate isolation and avoid schools, workplaces, public gatherings and public transport while infectious, until cleared by the competent health authority.
The Health Department has urged the public to remain vigilant and seek prompt medical attention if symptoms such as fever accompanied by a rash develop. Parents, teachers, village authorities and community leaders have also been urged to cooperate with health workers, participate in awareness activities and support the upcoming vaccination campaign.
The district administration and Health Department have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening surveillance, ensuring vaccination coverage and containing the measles outbreak through coordinated public health action.
