(Harare) A measles outbreak in Zimbabwe has killed at least 157 children, with more than 2,000 infections reported in the country, the government said on Tuesday.
Posted at 4:41 p.m.
Cases have been rising rapidly in the southern African country since the first emerged in early August, with reported deaths nearly doubling in less than a week.
“As of August 15, the cumulative figures in the country amounted to 2,056 cases and 157 deaths,” said Information Minister Monica Mutsvangwa, during a press briefing.
Mme Mutsvangwa said the government will step up vaccinations and plans to dip into the national disaster fund “to deal with the emergency”.
The government will also ask traditional and religious leaders for their support in encouraging people to get vaccinated.
The Health Ministry previously blamed the outbreak on religious gatherings.
The measles virus mainly attacks children. Among the most serious complications are blindness, diarrhea and serious respiratory infections.
Its symptoms are a red rash that first appears on the face and spreads to the rest of the body. Once very common, it can now be prevented with a vaccine.
In April, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported that Africa was facing a rise in vaccine-preventable diseases. It is particularly affected by measles, with a jump of 400% in the first quarter of 2022 compared to the same period of 2021, due to the delay in the vaccination of children, underlined the Africa office of WHO.