Himalayan News Service

Rajbiraj, February 13:

At least 35 children of one ward in Sapatari have caught measles. Two more measles cases reported today bringing the total to 35, stated Jandaul VDC-based sub-health post.

Most of the children affected are below 10 years in age, said chief at the health post, Binod Prasad Gupta.

At least 200,981 children in the age group of nine months to 15 years of the district were vaccinated under the Anti-measles Vaccination Campaign (AMVC)-2061 BS in two different phases, according to the District Public Health Office (DPHO).

But it has not even been five since the vaccination and so many children have caught measles, said perplexed local residents.

When contacted, DPHO chief Chandradev Mehata said there is always a chance that children might contact measles even after vaccination as AMVC gives an 80 per cent guarantee of being immune to it. There is always a 20 per cent chance of catching it.

As there is no medicine that can be given immediately to measles affected children, it is advised they be quarantined and given Vitamin A.