Measles in India

24 Jan 2012

An outbreak of measles has been reported from several remote villages in East Kameng district of Arunachal Pradesh in the far north east conrner of India; bordering with the state of Assam.

A minimum of 30 suspected cases have been reported and the worst affected villages are Namchar Bagang and Soshi Bagang. The measles catch-up campaign that was launched in November 2011, in the state has still to reach this isolated area, therefore vaccination coverage is low.

Advice for Travellers

This remote area is not frequently visited by travellers. It should be confirmed that children have received their recommended doses of MMR at 12-15 months of age and again pre-school around 3 years 6 months, while unimmunised adults who have not had the disease themselves may consider vaccination if thought to be at risk. Two doses of MMR vaccine are required to give adequate protection.