<span style="color: #222222;">In Mumbai, the measles outbreak has so far claimed the lives of eight children. The total number of patients affected with measles has crossed 300 this year.</span><br />''<br />''AIR correspondent reports, in the wake of the rapid spread of measles in the metropolis, the Mumbai civic body has surveyed two lakh 30 thousand houses.<br />''<br />''Intensifying the vaccination drive to curb the spread of measles, more than 3212 special doses of MR vaccine was administered till now. Whereas, 4,871 MMR doses were also given to the beneficiaries by the health officials of the Mumbai civic body. A total of over one lakh 55 thousand children in the age group of nine months to 5 years in 40 health posts will be given additional dose of MR vaccine. <br />''<br />''Meanwhile, Maharashtra Health Minister Tanaji Sawant has said that the state government will lay further stress on the vaccination drive to combat measles in the state. <br />''<br />''<span style="color: #222222;">Sawant said that instructions have been given to the health department that along with Mumbai, other parts of the state should be constantly informed about suspected measles patients, special measles prevention cells should be made operational in all municipalities, and public awareness should be created regarding the need for vaccination.</span><br />