Countering measles: Case response campaign launched in Khyber Agency

Decision for initiative made on basis of findings of investigation team

To counter the outbreak of measles, a case response drive was launched in Bar Qambar Khel in Bara, Khyber Agency. The drive was launched on the basis of the findings of an investigation team.

In a press release issued on Monday, it was stated that FATA Health Services Director Dr Jawad Habib Khan called for an investigation of an outbreak and assigned an assessment team on August 6. This was in response to media reports of measles cases in the Qayyum Khel village of Bar Qamber Khel and deaths of patients suspected to be suffering from the disease at Hayatabad Medical Complex. The patients were brought to the Peshawar hospital from the tribal area.

Expanded Programme on Immunisation Assistant Director Ikhtiar Ali was ordered to coordinate and facilitate the investigation, whereas Agency Surgeon Dr Niaz Muhammad and other officials visited the affected areas for routine investigations after two patients from the area were admitted to HMC in Peshawar. On the basis of findings of the investigation team, measles outbreak was declared in Bar Qamber Khel and a case response drive was launched on August 7.

The team found out that the person first infected with the virus, his twin sister and first cousin were referred to hospital in Peshawar in a critical condition. Besides, eight more active cases were found during visits to clinics of local practitioners.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 9^th, 2016.