Maharashtra govt ties up with WHO for eradication of Rubella

  • Maharashtra government has tied up with World Health Organisation (WHO) for eradication of Rubella measles and will start vaccination drive from March 2018.
  • Children aged between 9 months to 15 years, will be vaccinated for Rubella under this campaign across the state.
  • The infection is carried by Rubella virus.
  • WHO the umbrella body of the healthcare sector around the world, stresses on mass vaccination campaigns across the globe as a preventive measure.

Key facts

  • Rubella is a contagious, generally mild viral infection that occurs most often in children and young adults.
  • Rubella infection in pregnant women may cause fetal death or congenital defects known as congenital rubella syndrome (CRS).
  • Worldwide, over 100 000 babies are born with CRS every year.
  • There is no specific treatment for rubella but the disease is preventable by vaccination.
  • Rubella is an acute, contagious viral infection.
  • While the illness is generally mild in children, it has serious consequences in pregnant women causing fetal death or congenital defects known as congenital rubella syndrome (CRS).
  • The rubella virus is transmitted by airborne droplets when infected people sneeze or cough. Humans are the only known host.

Congenital rubella syndrome

  • Children with CRS can suffer hearing impairments, eye and heart defects and other lifelong disabilities, including autism, diabetes mellitus and thyroid dysfunction – many of which require costly therapy, surgeries and other expensive care.
  • The highest risk of CRS is in countries where women of childbearing age do not have immunity to the disease (either through vaccination or from having had rubella).
  • Before the introduction of the vaccine, up to 4 babies in every 1000 live births were born with CRS.

Source: Business Standard & WHO

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