Zimbabwe Records 157 Deaths In Fresh Measles Outbreak

Zimbabwe Records 157 Deaths In Fresh Measles Outbreak

 

A recent measles outbreak in Zimbabwe has left about 157 children dead and over 2,000 infected across the country.

The health ministry which had earlier blamed religious gatherings for the wide spread of the virus, said the first case was recorded early August and has soon spread across the entire country with infection growing rapidly with total number of suspected cases across the country jumping from 1,036 to 2,056 in the space of just four days.

Speaking with journalist after the weekly cabinet meeting on Tuesday, Information Minister, Monica Mutsvangwa said “As of 15 August the cumulative figures across the country have risen to 2,056 cases and 157 deaths.”

The information minister also said that the outbreak had occurred among children who are not vaccinated and the government is stepping up plans to curb the emergency.

“It has been noted that most cases have not received vaccination to protect against measles. Government has invoked the Civil Protection Unit Act to deal with this emergency,” she said.

Also, the government of the southern African country said it will work with traditional and religious institutions to carry out awareness campaigns to hasten the vaccination of unvaccinated children.

In April, the World Health Organisation had warned that the measles virus is spreading rapidly across the world. According to the UN agency, the cases for this year rose to 80 per cent, adding that the rise in cases of measles was a forewarning of the likely outbreaks of other diseases.

Measles is a disease caused by a virus that attacks mainly children. The most serious complications include blindness, brain swelling, diarrhea, and severe respiratory infections.

Vaccination uptake of at least 95 per cent is the best way to prevent the disease from spreading, though many countries fall far short of that goal, UN said.

Join our WhatsApp Channel
John Adoyi, PBA Journalism Mentee
+ posts

Featured Stories

Latest from Africa

Former Super Eagles Coach Festus Onigbinde Dies at 88

Former head coach of the Nigeria national football team, Festus Adegboye Onigbinde, has died at the age of 88. The family confirmed his passing in a statement signed by Bolade Adesuyi, noting that the Modakeke-born high chief died on Monday night after

Nigeria Congratulates Ghana on 69th Independence Anniversary

Nigeria on Friday congratulated Ghana on the occasion of its 69th independence anniversary, reaffirming longstanding diplomatic and cultural ties between the two West African neighbours. In a statement issued by the foreign ministry, Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Yusuf Tuggar conveyed the
Electricity
Previous Story

Nigerian Gov’t Reacts To NUEE Demands, As Electricity Workers Threaten Strike

Next Story

Families To Pay 57% More On School Supplies This Year – WorldRemit Data

Don't Miss

PZ Cussons Reports £88.2m Loss Due To Naira Devaluation

PZ Cussons Reports £88.2m Loss Due To Naira Devaluation

PZ Cussons, renowned for its brands like Carex and Imperial
NCDMB Executive Secretary

NCDMB Boss Highlights Strategies For Collaboration On Local Content Development In Africa

Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Content