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Rachel V Thomas

India Concerned Over Measles Outbreak, Action Underway: Dr N K Arora| Exclusive

Amid rising cases of measles in neighboring countries, India is concerned, and steps are being taken to ward off any potential outbreaks in the nation, said <span>Dr NK Arora</span>, Chair of the National Verification Committee (NVC) for Measles-Rubella Elimination in India. 

In an exclusive conversation with <strong><em>HealthandMe</em></strong>, the expert emphasized the growing concerns over the spread of measles, particularly following outbreaks in Myanmar and Bangladesh. 

He noted that in the case of polio, India is free, and fortunately, neighbors like Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan, and even Myanmar are all polio-free. 

“But measles is something which we are worried about,” Dr <span>Arora</span> said. 

"We are aware of outbreaks in Myanmar, particularly among the Rohingya population, and the subsequent spread to Bangladesh, where there has been a large-scale outbreak with numerous fatalities," he added.

<h2>Measles: Strengthening India's Porous Border </h2>

As per official data, Bangladesh has recorded 227 child deaths since March in one of its worst outbreaks of measles in decades, with the number of suspected cases reaching nearly 35,000, AFP reported. 

Can Measles Outbreak Hit India? Dr NK Arora Explains Risk #shorts #shortsfeed #measles

Dr Arora pointed out that the porous borders India shares with Bangladesh make the risk of cross-border transmission higher, particularly given the large movement of people between the two countries. 

To counter this, the expert mentioned that <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/bangladesh-measles-outbreak-meghalaya-tripura-to-boost-vaccination-and-health-surveillance-article-154125032" data-type="tilCustomLink">India has strengthened surveillance</a> in states bordering Bangladesh, like Tripura, Manipur, and Meghalaya, but also admitted that more efforts are needed.

Meghalaya’s state health department have called for stepping up surveillance in East Khasi Hills District. Similarly, Health officials in Tripura are also assessing the prevailing measles and rubella situation, with a focus on vaccination coverage and containment measures. The health officials have stressed to strengthen surveillance, early detection, reporting, and response mechanisms.

<strong>Also read: </strong><a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/measles-again-on-the-rise-globally-is-india-at-risk-article-153985451" data-type="tilCustomLink">Measles Again On The Rise Globally: Is India At Risk?</a>  

Notably, Nepal has also reported at least four outbreaks of the deadly viral disease —one in Sarlahi and three in Baglung—since the start of 2026.

"If even one case of measles comes in, it can spread quickly due to the virus's high reproductive or transmission dynamics. A single infected child can spread the virus to up to 12 to 18 others very quickly, which is extremely worrisome," he explained. 

Dr. Arora stressed the importance of identifying suspected measles cases early, which he defined as any child with fever and rash.

"While these symptoms could indicate other diseases too, it's crucial to have a sensitive definition to quickly detect measles cases.

Once a suspect with fever and rash is identified, samples are promptly sent to the lab for confirmation, and immediate alerts are issued," he told <strong>HealthandMe.</strong>

<h2>Measles: Sporadic Outbreaks In India</h2>

Dr. Arora also addressed the ongoing efforts to eliminate measles and rubella in India, which have been bolstered by targeted interventions and public awareness campaigns. 

Since the beginning of the year, India is seeing sporadic outbreaks of measles. Madhya Pradesh's Gwalior reported three outbreaks, and Morena six. 

Over January and February 2026, 41 children were diagnosed with measles in Tikari village in Madhya Pradesh.

However, swift action by health authorities with proactive frontline engagement and data-driven rapid response prevented an escalation into large measles outbreaks.  

"Our goal is to prevent any deaths from measles, which in today's time, should be entirely avoidable," said the Chair of the NVC.

Referring to increasing child deaths due to the highly infectious disease in Bangladesh, he said: "If a child dies from measles, it indicates a significant gap in the quality of care provided."

Further, Dr. Arora explained that measles complications such as severe pneumonia, sepsis, and meningitis are of particular concern, as these can be exacerbated by weakened immunity following other illnesses, such as malaria. Therefore, he emphasized the need to improve the quality of care and ensure timely and effective treatment for affected children. 

<strong>Read more: </strong><a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/measles-again-on-the-rise-globally-is-india-at-risk-article-153985451" data-type="tilCustomLink">Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Denies Link To Measles Outbreak At Senate Hearing</a>

Measles is one of the world's most contagious diseases, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), and is spread through coughs and sneezes. 

The vaccine-preventable disease can affect people of any age but is most common among children, and can cause complications that include brain swelling and severe respiratory problems. 

Symptoms typically appear seven to 14 days after exposure and may include: 

<ul><li>high fever, </li><li>cough, </li><li>runny nose, </li><li>red eyes, </li><li>rashes across the body.</li></ul>

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Amid rising cases of measles in neighboring countries, India is concerned, and steps are being taken to ward off any potential outbreaks in the nation, said Dr NK Arora, Chair of the National Verification Committee (NVC) for Measles-Rubella Elimination in India. In an exclusive conversation with HealthandMe, the expert emphasized the growing concerns over the spread of measles, particularly following outbreaks in Myanmar and Bangladesh. He noted that in the case of polio, India is free, and fortunately, neighbors like Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan, and even Myanmar are all polio-free. “But measles is something which we are worried about,” Dr Arora said. "We are aware of outbreaks in Myanmar, particularly among the Rohingya population, and the subsequent spread to Bangladesh, where there has been a large-scale outbreak with numerous fatalities," he added.Measles: Strengthening India's Porous Border As per official data, Bangladesh has recorded 227 child deaths since March in one of its worst outbreaks of measles in decades, with the number of suspected cases reaching nearly 35,000, AFP reported.       Dr Arora pointed out that the porous borders India shares with Bangladesh make the risk of cross-border transmission higher, particularly given the large movement of people between the two countries. To counter this, the expert mentioned that India has strengthened surveillance in states bordering Bangladesh, like Tripura, Manipur, and Meghalaya, but also admitted that more efforts are needed.Meghalaya’s state health department have called for stepping up surveillance in East Khasi Hills District. Similarly, Health officials in Tripura are also assessing the prevailing measles and rubella situation, with a focus on vaccination coverage and containment measures. The health officials have stressed to strengthen surveillance, early detection, reporting, and response mechanisms.Also read: Measles Again On The Rise Globally: Is India At Risk?  Notably, Nepal has also reported at least four outbreaks of the deadly viral disease —one in Sarlahi and three in Baglung—since the start of 2026."If even one case of measles comes in, it can spread quickly due to the virus's high reproductive or transmission dynamics. A single infected child can spread the virus to up to 12 to 18 others very quickly, which is extremely worrisome," he explained. Dr. Arora stressed the importance of identifying suspected measles cases early, which he defined as any child with fever and rash."While these symptoms could indicate other diseases too, it's crucial to have a sensitive definition to quickly detect measles cases.Once a suspect with fever and rash is identified, samples are promptly sent to the lab for confirmation, and immediate alerts are issued," he told HealthandMe.Measles: Sporadic Outbreaks In IndiaDr. Arora also addressed the ongoing efforts to eliminate measles and rubella in India, which have been bolstered by targeted interventions and public awareness campaigns. Since the beginning of the year, India is seeing sporadic outbreaks of measles. Madhya Pradesh's Gwalior reported three outbreaks, and Morena six. Over January and February 2026, 41 children were diagnosed with measles in Tikari village in Madhya Pradesh.However, swift action by health authorities with proactive frontline engagement and data-driven rapid response prevented an escalation into large measles outbreaks.  "Our goal is to prevent any deaths from measles, which in today's time, should be entirely avoidable," said the Chair of the NVC.Referring to increasing child deaths due to the highly infectious disease in Bangladesh, he said: "If a child dies from measles, it indicates a significant gap in the quality of care provided."Further, Dr. Arora explained that measles complications such as severe pneumonia, sepsis, and meningitis are of particular concern, as these can be exacerbated by weakened immunity following other illnesses, such as malaria. Therefore, he emphasized the need to improve the quality of care and ensure timely and effective treatment for affected children. Read more: Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Denies Link To Measles Outbreak At Senate HearingWhat is Measles?Measles is one of the world's most contagious diseases, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), and is spread through coughs and sneezes. The vaccine-preventable disease can affect people of any age but is most common among children, and can cause complications that include brain swelling and severe respiratory problems. Symptoms typically appear seven to 14 days after exposure and may include: high fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, rashes across the body.