MIZORAM LAUNCHES MEASLES-RUBELLA VACCINATION CAMPAIGN

Measles-Rubella vaccination campaign was launched in all parts of Mizoram by State Health Minister Lal Thanzara in a function held at Government Mizo High School auditorium in Aizawl. The campaign was launched with an objective to completely eradicate measles and controlling rubella and Congenital Rubella Syndrome (CRS) by 2020. Children between the age group of 9 months to 15 years would be administered rubella vaccine during the month long campaign.

Speaking at the launching function, Thanzara said the main purpose of the campaign was to prevent infant deaths and structural birth defects due to measles and rubella infection. He also said that one case of Congenital Rubella Syndrome has been identified in Mizoram and 2 children were recently tested positive for rubella.

Stating that children between 9 months and 15 years old are vulnerable to infection from measles and rubella virus, the minister appealed to all children, including those who have already taken MR vaccine, to receive MR vaccine again during the campaign. He expressed hope that infant death and birth defects due to measles and rubella will be eradicated from the state if all children are vaccinated during the campaign.

It may be mentioned that measles is one of the most contagious diseases ever known and is an important cause of death and disability among young children worldwide. Rubella can cause severe birth defects, blindness, pneumonia and diarrhoea. Symptoms of Measles includes cough, fever, red eyes, light sensitivity, muscle aches, runny nose, sore throat, white spots inside the mouth and widespread skin rash.