File of Valika Spits, Mumps and Respaces Vaccines (MMR) | Photo Credit: Reuters
Although the occurrence of measles, a highly contagious viral infection, has been decreasing in Karnataka, several pockets in Ballari and BBMP have been constantly reporting a higher number of cases.
According to data from the state health department, the number of laboratory was confirmed, clinically compatible and cases of EPI measles decreased from 4,001 in 2023 to 1 115 in 2024. Similarly, the number of Zděděnka cases also decreased from 237 in 2023 to 166 in 2024. This year (until April 22), the state recorded 92 cases of Rubelly.
In 2024, Ballari and BBMP recorded 243 and 103 measles, the highest in the state. This year until April 22, these two districts recorded 91 and 25 cases. While the highest number of Rubelly cases in 2024 was reported in BBMP areas at the age of 23, this year (until April 22) Yadgir experienced the highest at the age of 15.
Outbreak
The number of laboratories of confirmed measles of measles decreased from 30 in 2023 to six in 2024 and this year three. The outbreak is defined as five or more cases or any death confirmed from a small geographical area for four weeks. The state has not seen any outbreak of rubella since 2023, said Ansar Ahmed, State Project Director, Integrated Disease Monitoring Project (IDSP).
Measles and rubella are highly infectious viral diseases that can lead to serious diseases, lifelong complications and even death. Due to their high level of infection, India has set the goal of eliminating these diseases by 2026.
National campaign
The Minister of Health of the Union JP Nadda on Thursday (April 25, 2025) launched the National Campaign Elimination of Spallly-Rubella-Rubella 2025-26, which meant by 2026 a significant step towards the elimination of measles and abstains.
In Karnataka this year (January to 22 April) three districts – Davangere and Kodag – reported zero measles and eight districts included Bagakot, Belagavi, Begarura Urban, Kodag and Coppal, according to data, recorded zero rubels.
Dr. Ahmed said that any person who is uncomfortable is prone. Children of younger five, pregnant women and people with endangered immune systems are exposed to a higher risk of serious complications, he said.
Vaccine
Within the universal immunization program (UIP), two doses of measles (MR) are provided at all costs to all eligible children aged 9-12 months and 16-24 months of age. Currently, Indian coverage of MR vaccination is 93.7% for the first dose (2024-25 HMIS) and 92.2% for the second dose.
Karnataka coverage MR vaccination 96% for the first dose (2024-2025 HMIS) and 93% for the second dose. The coverage of vaccination is the lowest in BBMP at 83% for the first dose and 81% for the second dose.
High -level committee
Harsh Gupta, the main secretary (Health), attributed a high incidence of measles in BBMP, he said that the structure of health monitoring in BBMP is weak for various reasons. “We saw BBMP reported the highest number of dengue cases last year,” he said.
“While primary healthcare facilities in BBMP key areas are operated and managed by a civic body, those in the new departments are managed by grants from Zilla Panchayats and the medical department. In addition to the lack of coordination, the number of Ashas and Anms available is not proportional to the excessive committee. Moon and we will present the design in front of the cabinet, ”added Gupta.
Published – April 26 2025 11:18
