Healthworkers from various agencies including the Government, UNICEF and WHO inform the head (centre) of the local Panchayat (village-level government) of the ongoing Detailed Outbreak Investigation of measles in Panishal village. Such communication efforts are critical to the success of future public-health interventions. ..In September 2012, the first measles symptoms were noticed among children living in Panishal village. This signalled the beginning of the 5th measles outbreak in Kishanganj district and the 35th such outbreak in the state of Bihar since January 1st 2012. A measles outbreak is defined as 5 or more children showing symptoms in a single block or bordering blocks in a single week or a measles-related death. ..In response, the Bihar government commissioned an Outbreak Investigation in Panishal village on the 18th October which detected 26 cases of measles. A Detailed Outbreak Investigation commissioned a week later surveyed 250 households and the number of cases rose to 45. A case of measles is recorded when the "Three C's" (cough, coryza (running nose) and conjunctivitis) are combined with a fever and rash. Taking part in the Detailed Outbreak Investigation were personnel from several different agencies including State, District and Block-level Government workers, UNICEF and the WHO. ..The Detailed Outbreak Investigation allowed health workers to administer ORS (Oral Rehydration Salts), a "mega dose" of vitamin A and an antibiotic. The details of those children displaying measles symptoms were recorded and Panishal's residents were sensitised to the danger of measles. Parents were told to contact their local Public Health Centre should they detect symptoms including diarrhoea or a respiratory infection, both of which - together with encephalitis - are potentially fatal measles-related complications. The Detailed Investigation also took blood samples from five selected children for further analysis in a measles lab in the state capital Patna. Such an