oa Epidemiological investigation of measles outbreak in Mansehra Colony Landhi, Karachi. Sindh, Pak, March 2015

Background: On 3rd March the local newspaper published report regarding measles outbreak in Mansehra Colony Landhi, Karachi. In response to the report the Executive District Office health Karachi constituted a three members investigating team with the objectives to investigate the outbreak and propose recommendations for control of outbreak the affected Mansehra Colony Landhi having population of 600 households.

Methods: Investigation was carried out from 4th to 7th March, 2015. Case was defined as a child having 15 years of age residing in Mansehra Colony Landhi, with: a generalized rash and fever for three or more days and one or more of the associated symptoms, including cough, or coryza or conjunctivitis from 1st March to 7th March, 2015. Active case finding was carried out, line list maintained and six blood samples were taken and shipped to NIH Islamabad for lab confirmation.

Results: Sixteen cases were line listed, out of which 75% (n = 12) were females. Median age was 9 years (range: 3 to 13 years). All cases were from same family. Index case was 6 years old girl who visited her parents at Balochistan province (measles endemic) 6 days prior to development of sign symptoms. NIH Lab confirmed four cases positive out of six. As per EPI record all cases were fully immunized against measles.

Conclusion: Cases appeared in vaccinated children implicate that either there is some problem with the quality of vaccine, cold chain maintenance or vaccination techniques. Mopping -up activities conducted in Mansehra colony Landhi and surroundings, Health Education sessions conducted by Lady Health Workers on hygiene and disease prevention.

Keywords: measles outbreak, vaccinated, Health Education