At a time when a measles outbreak has killed nearly 100 children in Bangladesh, a border district in Mizoram is taking measures to prevent the spread of the virus from the neighboring country.
In this regard, a meeting was held at the DC office chamber in Lawngtlai under the chairmanship of Deputy Commissioner Donny Lalruatsanga to discuss preventive measures and preparedness to safeguard the district from the measles outbreak in Bangladesh.
Donny Lalruatsanga expressed his appreciation to all attendees. He highlighted that more than 100 lives have already been lost due to the measles outbreak in Bangladesh. He emphasized that taking timely preventive actions and preparedness measures is of utmost importance. Since Lawngtlai district shares an international border with Bangladesh, there is a high possibility of the disease entering the district. Therefore, apart from the medical teams, the public must remain vigilant and cautious. He pointed out that children below 5 years are especially vulnerable, and stressed the importance of taking the MR (Measles-Rubella) vaccine. Parents were urged to ensure that their children receive vaccination on time. Further, he urged the concerned departments to issue advisories in advance in order to strengthen and effectively implement preventive measures.
The Deputy Commissioner further stressed that villages along the border need to be extra cautious and urged community leaders to actively participate in preventive efforts. He mentioned that symptoms of measles include fever, runny nose, red eyes, and skin rashes. Anyone showing such symptoms should immediately seek medical attention. Early detection is crucial to prevent outbreaks, and he urged the Health Department and World Health Organization (WHO) to continue their proactive efforts.
He also stated that both the District Level Task Force and Block Level Task Force are actively working to prevent measles and other diseases. The public was urged to cooperate in preventing the spread, and the district administration assured that it will continue to take all necessary measures with support from village councils, NGOs, churches, and the general public.
Dr. Lalmuanawma Jongte, Senior Chief Medical Officer, explained preventive measures against measles. He stated that vaccination is the most effective protection and emphasized the need to achieve over 95 per cent MR vaccination coverage. The vaccine is administered in two doses to children aged 9-12 months and 16-24 months.
He explained that measles is caused by the measles/Rubella virus and spreads through the air, making it highly contagious.
“Strong surveillance measures are being implemented. Rapid Response Teams have been activated at PHCs and CHCs, and Mobile Vaccination Teams are also on standby,” Dr Jongte said. He also confirmed that adequate stocks of MR vaccine and Vitamin A are currently available for the district.
Dr. Lalhlimpuii from the World Health Organization (WHO) shared an overview of their activities. She noted that measles cases had previously been reported in Lawngtlai district during January and February last year, but no fatalities occurred due to effective response. She pointed out that incomplete vaccination remains an issue, and intensified efforts are ongoing. She also confirmed that no measles cases have been reported so far this year, and preventive measures will continue.
Dr. Remlalnghaki, DIO, presented data on MR1 and MR2 vaccination coverage among children less than one year of age along with HPV Vaccination over the period April 2025 to March 2026. While MR1 coverage is satisfactory, MR2 coverage remains low, and efforts are being intensified to improve it. She further stated that special initiatives are currently being actively carried out in the area of HPV vaccination.
The meeting was attended by the Senior Chief Medical Officer, Project Director (DRDO), Deputy CMO, representative of DMS, SDO (PHED), representative of District Social Welfare Officer, District Civil Supplies Officer, Block Development Officer, and President of CYLA, representative of Bazar VC, representatives from UNDP, and representatives from the World Health Organization (WHO).
