Mumbai: In high-rises, no measles cases but must watch for fever, says Dr Gomare

As Mumbai witnesses one of its most severe measles outbreaks in recent years, Dr Mangala Gomare, BMC’s executive health officer, speaks to Sumitra Debroy on the ongoing situation. The city has recorded 22 outbreaks, resulting in nearly 3,700 suspected and 252 confirmed cases. There have been a dozen deaths in Mumbai Metropolitan Region.

As per Dr Gomare, cases are confined mainly to slum pockets, so parents across the city needn’t panic but must remain on guard

Q: What is responsible for the outbreak, according to BMC’s analysis?
A: We’ve been doing measles and rubella surveillance for four years, as the Government of India plans to eliminate them by December 2023. We get some cases yearly, but since September last week, we’ve seen a drastic surge in incidence. Drop in immunisation due to the pandemic is a likely vital factor, but there are other contributing reasons

Q: What are those reasons?
A: Firstly, immunisation status of children in a particular area, nutritional status of children. The family size in which these kids are growing also appears to be a factor. Above all, vaccine hesitancy is playing a significant role in the surge. A rise in cases isseen in Malegaon, Bhiwandi as well. Some of these areas were at high risk for polio too and saw refusals and hesitancy for polio vaccination

Q: What is the extent of the spread in Mumbai now?
A: Cases are now across 11 wards, but majority are restricted to M east (Deonar, Govandi) and L (Kurla) wards. Overall, maximum cases are from eastern suburbs followed by western suburbs and a handful in city wards

Q: Is the outbreak still confined to the slums?
A:Yes, it is confined to slum areas, which are densely populated


Q : Any infections been detected in affluent pockets yet?
A:We have yet to see a single case from high-rises. So, there’s no need to panic. If children are fully immunised, nothing to worry. However, when a certain area’s herd immunity goes down, parents must take extra care. They must be vigilant of a child’s fever or rash and immediately consult a doctor.


Q: How soon do you expect the situation to come in control?

A:Right now, we are vigorously looking for active cases and getting a lot of them. So, till suspected case numbers go down, we can’t say there’s any decrease. We can only say situation is in control