Controversial: Doctors in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa say measles not epidemic

At least 1,400 new cases have been reported across province

PESHAWAR: New cases of measles that are surfacing across the province have panicked officials concerned who, however, refuse to call it the infection an epidemic.

“The children who contract measles recently are either those who missed out on vaccination or the ones who have been living in IDP camps,” a health department official told The Express Tribune.

Around 1,400 cases have been reported at various health institutions across the province. However, experts are of the opinion that measles is not an epidemic and could have been caused by the influx of displaced people into various parts of the province.

“It happens during disasters like floods and earthquake but it does not mean the disease is carried by the floodwater,” said the official. “Such an outbreak is usually reported from areas where a large group of people live together, like in camps etc.”

Double check

Even though immunisation drives have taken place across K-P, inoculating children against such infections is not enough. Another official said even after a child receives doses against measles, there are chances that the infection may takeover. “A second dose can completely protect the child.”

The cases may be reported amongst children who have been vaccinated only once, added the official. “One should also keep in mind that a successful campaign against measles does not mean the infection has been rooted out.” He added there are chances that the outbreak was caused by those who missed the first dose as well.

When contacted, acting deputy director of the Expanded Programme on Immunization Dr Tahir confirmed the number of cases but maintained it is not an epidemic.

“There are children who missed the vaccination campaign but let me tell you that even if a campaign is going on, it does not mean things are okay.”

He added cases are reported on a routine basis. Tahir informed that around 60 to 70% of the children have been immunised and the rise in the number of cases suggests the remaining children missed the vaccination.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 24^th, 2015.