BAGLUNG: The Ministry of Health and Population is conducting a measles vaccination campaign in Dhorpatan Municipality, Baglung, following confirmed infections. About 7,000 children aged 10 to 20 will be vaccinated, according to Dr. Abhiyan Gautam of the Department of Health Services Nepal.

Recent tests at the National Public Health Laboratory Nepal confirmed measles in five individuals from Wards 7, 8, and 9, while 56 suspected cases remain under observation. Dr. Gautam stated the outbreak originated from a patient who traveled from India in mid-February and visited a hospital without notifying authorities, leading to further transmission.

A response team including federal and provincial doctors is actively managing the outbreak. As measles is highly contagious, one infected person can spread it to up to 18 others. Samples from 14 patients have been sent to the National Public Health Laboratory in Teku, while 30 patients with measles-like symptoms are currently hospitalized.