ANALYSIS OF THE PREVALENCE OF MEASLES VIRUS AMONG THE POPULATION OF FAISALABAD AND ITS PRESENCE AMONG CHILDREN WHO ARE NOT VACCINATED

Objective: Measles is an epidemic in Pakistan and it has history of outbreak in certain part of country. The infection is caused by a virus and it is common in childhood. Measles can be fatal for young children. Due to better coverage of vaccination the death rate is decreasing but still it is worst in Pakistan. The purpose of the study is to analyze the prevalence of measles virus among the population of Faisalabad and to analyze either it is present in vaccinated children or among children who are not vaccinated. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted in Faisalabad, Punjab. It is populous city and is considered Punjab economic hub. The weather of Faisalabad is very hot in summer and cold in winter. Data from Tehsil Hospital and District Hospital was collected. Results: Measles were present among 76 percent of the children age group ranging from 9 months to 10 years. Common symptoms and preventive measures are also discussed in the paper. Conclusion: The younger children are at higher risk of measles attacks and those children who are malnourished get complications of the disease. Vaccination status of the children should also be improved. The EPI system of Punjab is progressive and government with the help of WHO is trying to reach to all the children. Awareness campaigns are also conducted but unfortunately the measles are still out breaking. It is because the children who are missed of vaccines and when they are exposed to virus, they catch the infection immediately and due to highly contagious in nature it spread quickly. The infected children should be isolated and should be given medical treatment along with rest and nutritional food so that they may recover soon. Keywords: Measles, vaccination, Pneumonia, Conjunctivitis