Kohima: The Nagaland Health Department has intensified measures to contain a measles outbreak in Tizit block of Mon district following the detection of laboratory-confirmed cases.
The response includes enhanced surveillance, vaccination, public awareness and coordination among departments, officials said.
A block-level meeting was held on September 21 at the Community Health Centre (CHC), Tizit, under the leadership of Mon Chief Medical Officer Supongmenla Walling and District Programme Manager Moie Bonnie Konyak.
The meeting reviewed the status of the outbreak, discussed revision of the immunisation micro-plan and deliberated on coordination with the World Health Organization (WHO) regional team.
Health personnel from all health units under Tizit block were directed to attend the meeting with updated immunisation micro-plans and lists of unvaccinated children to facilitate vaccination planning and implementation.
Following the meeting, a WHO team visited Tizit to conduct a field investigation and assess the outbreak situation.
The team comprised M A H Azhar, surveillance medical officer with WHO Mokokchung, and Jayaseelan Vedamuthu, surveillance in-charge for the Northeast region.
The team conducted field-level assessments and reviewed the outbreak situation in coordination with district health authorities to support ongoing surveillance and response measures.
Following the investigation, the WHO team and health officials held a meeting with the district administration, represented by Mon Additional Deputy Commissioner Pakon Phom.
The meeting focused on strengthening coordination between the Health Department and district administration, particularly in conducting public awareness activities and disseminating information to affected villages.
The ADC agreed to issue necessary instructions and facilitate dissemination of awareness materials to village authorities once the materials become available.
The Health Department has planned a measles vaccination drive from October 12, with awareness activities to be carried out ahead of the campaign.
Children aged 5-10 years will be vaccinated through schools, while vaccination for children below five years will be facilitated through Anganwadi centres and home visits.
As part of immunisation planning, updated school enrolment data and lists of unvaccinated children will be compiled to ensure comprehensive coverage.
Schools have also been directed to promptly report students or staff members showing symptoms such as fever and rash to the nearest health facility.
People suspected or confirmed to have measles have been advised to remain at home or in an appropriate isolation facility 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.
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Parents, teachers, village authorities and community leaders have also been encouraged to cooperate with health workers, participate in awareness activities and support the upcoming vaccination drive.
The district administration and Health Department said they remained committed to strengthening surveillance, ensuring vaccination coverage and containing the outbreak through coordinated public health measures.
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