DERA GHAZI KHAN: Commissioner Nasir Mahmood Bashir on Monday directed vaccinators to achieve their respective measles vaccination targets in the field given the outbreak of the diseasein the division.

Presiding over a meeting to review the measles outbreak and other issues in the division, he directed the health department officials to sweep up to 160 houses in the union councils where any confirmed or suspected case of the disease has been reported, besides inspecting at least 30 houses in each UC.

Deputy commissioners and other related officers participated in the

meeting on the second consecutive day which reviewed the measles prevention campaign, cotton crop sowing and Eidul Azha arrangements in the division.

The commissioner warned the officials of strict action over any misrepresentation of numbers of measles cases. If symptoms of measles appear in a child, he/she should be referred to the nearest hospital, he said, adding that there is no need to be panicked, but precautionary measures should be taken to prevent the spread of measles.

The commissioner directed all health centres in the division to ensure provision of measles vaccine and availability of essential medicines.

From January 1, 2024 to May 31, some 1,093 suspected measles cases were reported in DG Khan division.

Among these, 163 cases were confirmed, 781 tested negative, and 173 cases are under investigation.

As many as 31 measles patients were admitted to different hospitals in the division at present.

Published in Dawn, June 4th, 2024