CM orders probe into measles outbreak
Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah has directed the Health Department to send a medical team to the measles-affected Chandroo Muhajir village in Tando Allahyar for daily monitoring and containment efforts. The directive was given to Health Secretary Rehan Baloch following a preliminary report on suspected measles-related fatalities in the village.
According to the report submitted to the CM, a surveillance team immediately rushed to the village and conducted investigations, including blood sample collection and patient line-listing. The affected persons were then referred to the Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences (LUMHS) for further treatment.
Health Secretary Baloch reported that on April 26, 2024, the Civil Hospital Tando Allahyar received four suspected measles cases from the Lal Faqri Behrani area of UC Dingano Bozdar in Chandro Muhajri village. Three of them, all under the age of 10, passed away. They were identified as Adil, son of Asif, aged 5; Adnan, son of Asghar, aged 6; Atif, son of Asif, aged 8. The survivor was named Ishfaque, son of Ashraf, aged 10, resident of Iqbal Colony, Latifabad 12, Hyderabad.
Moreover, a Rapid Response team, comprising various medical personnel, visited the area on April 26, 2024, after confirming the suspected cases and related deaths. Details of the deceased children who passed away at home are provided: Iqra, daughter of Ashraf, aged 7, resident of Iqbal Colony, Latifabad, Hyderabad; Ashique, son of Ashraf, aged 4, resident of Iqbal Colony, Latifabad 12, Hyderabad; Arman, son of Yamen, aged 3, resident of Chandro Muhajir village, Tando Allahyar.
The report indicates that all three deceased children passed away at home and were not taken to hospital. Four suspected measles cases referred to the LUMHS Hyderabad include Ishfaque, who expired on April 26, 2024.
In response to these developments, CM Shah directed the Health Department to intensify vigilance efforts and conduct a thorough inspection of the village as a case study. This initiative aims to identify the root cause of the measles outbreak and implement necessary preventive measures on war footings.
Published in The Express Tribune, April 29th, 2024.