Tripura, 23 May 2026: Amid the rising cases of Measles and Rubella infections in Bangladesh, the Tripura administration has stepped up precautionary measures, especially in border areas. Addressing a press conference at the Unakoti District Magistrate’s office on Saturday, District Magistrate and Collector Megha Jain said Tripura remains vulnerable to the outbreak due to its proximity to Bangladesh.
She informed that several measles cases have already been detected in parts of Unakoti district over the past few months. The outbreak initially surfaced in Latiapura village, followed by reported cases in the Irani Primary Health Centre (PHC) area, Jalai sub-centre and Reang Para.
Describing Measles-Rubella as a highly contagious disease, the District Magistrate said children between 0 to 5 years are particularly vulnerable because their immunity is still developing. She warned that one infected person can spread the virus to nearly 10 others, and the infection may even remain active in a room after the infected individual has left.
To prevent further spread, the administration has intensified the MR1 and MR2 vaccination drive. Normally, MR1 is administered at 9 months and MR2 at 15 months of age. However, due to the current outbreak situation, vaccination coverage is now being extended to children up to 10 years old. Officials from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the National Health Mission (NHM) are also monitoring the situation in the district.
The District Magistrate said door-to-door surveys are being carried out across affected areas. ASHA workers are visiting households daily to monitor children and spread awareness. Health camps, vaccination drives and IEC (Information, Education and Communication) activities have also been intensified with support from PRI bodies and local administrations.
She stated that while MR1 vaccination coverage has reached nearly 99.9 percent, vaccine hesitancy regarding MR2 still exists in some areas. Appealing to parents, she urged them not to believe in rumours and to ensure complete MR vaccination for their children.
With the festive season approaching and possible cross-border movement from Bangladesh expected to increase, the administration has strengthened surveillance along the border. The BSF has been alerted, and health monitoring has begun at all entry points. Special health camps are also being organized in vaccine-hesitant areas.
Explaining the symptoms, she said children showing fever along with small red rashes on the body should immediately be taken to the nearest PHC, sub-centre or doctor. Health officials are also administering two doses of Vitamin A to infected children as part of the treatment protocol.
Calling the next 10 to 15 days “extremely critical,” the Unakoti administration appealed to all parents to come forward and ensure that their children receive both MR1 and MR2 vaccines to prevent any large-scale outbreak in the district.
