Kathmandu, March 10 -- Dhorpatan Municipality in Baglung district has recorded a fresh outbreak of measles, with 18 children infected.

The outbreak, second in six weeks, raises questions about health authorities' claims of achieving a fully immunised status. Malangwa Municipality in Sarlahi witnessed a measles outbreak in January.

"As many as 18 cases of measles have been recorded in four wards of the municipality. Individuals up to 20 years of age have tested positive," said Keshav Thapa, health coordinator in the municipality. "The National Public Health Laboratory has confirmed two positive cases through blood tests, and we are told that further testing is not required after the confirmation of the outbreak."

Schools, both community...