Zimbabwe’s measles epidemic kills dozens of children

A measles outbreak in Zimbabwe has killed at least 157 children and infected more than 2,000 people nationwide.

Information Minister Monika Mutsvanwa briefed journalists on Tuesday after the weekly cabinet meeting, saying: “As of August 15, the total number of cases nationwide has reached 2,056, with 157 deaths.” rice field.

Mutsvangwa said the government plans to step up vaccination and has invoked a special law to allow funds to be withdrawn from the National Disaster Fund “to deal with emergencies”.

She said the government would work with traditional and religious leaders to garner support for vaccination campaigns, adding that all victims had not been vaccinated.

Cases have risen sharply in the southern African country since authorities said the first infections were recorded earlier this month, with reported deaths nearly doubling in less than a week. .

Africa faces surge in preventable diseases

The health ministry has previously blamed church denominations for the outbreak.

The measles virus primarily attacks children with the most serious complications such as blindness, brain swelling, diarrhea and severe respiratory infections.

Its symptoms include a red rash that first appears on the face and spreads to the rest of the body.

Once very common, it is now preventable with a vaccine.

In April, the World Health Organization announced a 400% increase in measles cases in Africa due to delays in immunizing children, resulting in an explosion of preventable diseases.

Source: AFP