Establish a task force to control measles: Prof Sawant

Mumbai, Nov 26 (Agency) Taking into account the situation of measles infection in the state , all necessary measures should be taken immediately and care should be taken to keep the infection under control, says Maharashtra State public health minister Prof. Tanaji Sawant on Friday. Prof. Sawant also given direction to setting up district-wise task forces in a meeting organized through vertualy meeting. On this occasion, the information regarding the measures being taken in urban as well as rural areas across the state was learned through the health department. Prof. Sawant said that considering the increasing incidence of measles among children aged six months to five years, more attention should be given to this. An immediate survey should be made by forming different teams from the health department. In view of the outbreak, district wise action forces should be activated, he said. Doses of Vitamin ‘A’ + MR 1 & MR 2 should be given in areas where measles infection is high.

All situations should be reviewed daily. He also gave instructions such as isolation of children undergoing treatment, information about malnourished children. He said that public awareness should be spread through various religious leaders, NGOs, teachers, political representatives to create awareness about vaccination. In this meeting, Principal Secretary of Public Health Department Sanjay Khandare, Additional Commissioner of Mumbai Municipal Corporation Dr. Sanjiv Kumar among all concern officials were present .