Kathmandu, Jan. 26 -- Malangwa Municipality in Sarlahi has witnessed a fresh outbreak of measles virus, with around two dozen children infected. The outbreak, first in more than 2 years, exposes a vaccination gap that has also shattered Nepal's efforts to eliminate the deadly disease.

Dr Nawal Kishor Jha, chief of the Health Office, Sarlahi, confirmed the outbreak in a telephone conversation with the Post. The National Public Health Laboratory in Kathmandu confirmed the cases, he added.

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease transmitted through fluids from the nose, mouth or throat of an infected person. It can be potentially deadly for unvaccinated people. The disease can be prevented with a two-dose vaccine, administered to babi...