KARACHI, March 15: Paediatricians have recommended antibodies assessment of all suspected cases of measles, which registers high prevalence of mortality and morbidity among children.

Doctors interviewed by APP not only characterized measles as an acute illness causing deaths but also referred to its long-term effects, in the form of post-measles diarrhoea, pneumonia, bronchitis, encephalitis, reactivation of tuberculosis and blindness due to vitamin A deficiency and malnutrition.

They were unanimous in saying that each child suspected of suffering from measles should necessarily be tested for antibodies (Igm), which is produced in the early stages of the disease.

Mentioning cough, pneumonia and malnutrition as the most common manifestations of the disease, they pointed out that children infected with measles were generally not taken to hospitals as it was thought that no medication was required and every child had to suffer from it, sooner or later.

It was only after the children suffered from complications that hospitals were approached, Dr Mobina Agboatwala said. "It is therefore imperative to protect children at the youngest possible age," said Dr Ayesha Mehnaz, adding that the true impact of measles infection was much greater than was actually recognized.

A number of deaths were attributed to measles, making its control a great priority. She suggested the strengthening of routine immunization, adding that a surge in the prevalence of measles necessitated a campaign not only to sensitize the parents about the problem but also to ensure compulsory administration of two doses of the vaccines.

In response to a query, the paediatricians interviewed acknowledged that chicken pox and skin allergies were also wrongly but quite frequently diagnosed as measles.

Dr Mehnaz, with reference to the current practice of immunizing children against measles at the age of nine months or so, suggested a provision for two dosages, first on attaining the age of 7 months and the second at the age of 13 months. - APP