Measles Outbreak in Maharashtra Triggers Mass Immunisation Drive

A measles outbreak in parts of Maharashtra has led to a mass immunisation drive targeting over six lakh children in ashramshalas and madarsas, following outbreaks in Jalgaon, Nashik, and Dhule districts. The Public Health Department of Maharashtra has decided to conduct a special vaccination drive, administering an additional dose of vaccine against measles to students aged between 6-15 years, beyond the standard guidelines which target children up to five years old. The decision follows the reporting of the first measles outbreak in the last week of July 2025 in Jalgaon district, where 69 students out of 450 were admitted.

Key Takeaways:

• The Public Health Department of Maharashtra has launched a mass immunisation drive targeting over six lakh children in ashramshalas and madarsas to combat the measles outbreak.
• The drive aims to administer an additional dose of vaccine against measles to students aged between 6-15 years, beyond the standard guidelines which target children up to five years old.
• The decision was prompted by outbreaks in Jalgaon, Nashik, and Dhule districts, including a recent outbreak in Sinnar tehsil of Nashik.
• Dr. Sandeep Sangale, joint director of health services, has stated that routine measles immunisation is usually done for children under five, but after these outbreaks, vaccination will be extended to children up to 15 years in ashramshalas and madarsas.
• The department has intensified surveillance in talukas and villages where the infected students resided and returned to ashramshalas.
• Measles is a highly contagious viral infection that causes rashes and flu-like symptoms, and can be serious, even deadly, in young children and those with weakened immune systems.

Statistics:

• Over 6 lakh children in ashramshalas and madarsas.
• 69 students out of 450 were admitted due to measles infection in Jalgaon district.
• 381 students took back home after outbreak in Jalgaon district.
• 95% coverage of Measles-Rubella vaccine aimed by the department.
• All children affected by measles are stable, and most of them have been discharged.

Sources:

• Public Health Department of Maharashtra.
• Dr. Sandeep Sangale, joint director of health services.
• Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from HT Pune.