Measles claims 14 children in Manicaland

Harare (New Ziana) – AT least 14 children have died due to measles, while 72 cases have so far been recorded in Manicaland province’s Mutasa District, the Ministry of Health and Child Care said on Wednesday.

In a statement, the Ministry said there has been an outbreak of measles among children aged six months to 15years in Mutasa District, Manicaland Province, since April 10, 2022.

“To date, a total of 72 cases and 14 deaths have been reported. Of the reported cases, only nine had been vaccinated while the remainder had not been vaccinated or their vaccination status is unknown.

“In order to control this outbreak, MOHCC has started mass vaccination campaign in Mutasa District, Manicaland Province, targeting the six months to 15 years age group regardless of their vaccination status. Health workers are carrying out an intensive door-to-door education campaign against this disease,” the Ministry said.

The Ministry said the World Health Organization (WHO) had been notified of this outbreak, as a requirement.

“All provinces are being encouraged to be on high alert and to report any suspected measles to the nearest health facility. Those who attended church gatherings especially in Manicaland during this period should be on the lookout for suspected measles among their children.

“The Ministry of Health and Child Care reassures the public that the situation, is currently under control and therefore they should not panic,” it said.

Measles is a highly contagious respiratory tract viral infection commonly found in children and is spread through sneezing, coughing and by touching/contact.

Symptoms start with a cough, fever and then skin rash shows up. The risk of developing severe measles or dying from complications of measles is very high in unvaccinated children.

New Ziana