Measles outbreak in Zambia getting worse

June 28, 2010 | Filed under: News | Posted by:

Zambia has recorded one thousand six hundred cases of measles from the time the disease broke out a week ago.

Director of Public Health and Research at the Ministry of Health Victor Mukonka disclosed this in an interview with ZNBC over the weekend.

Dr Mukonka however claimed that the disease is under control. He didn’t say how many people have died so far.

He said all patients are receiving treatment in isolation centres, which have been set up.

Dr. Mukonka said the Ministry of Health will embark on a countrywide campaign and immunisation against measles in the third week of July

According to the World Health Organisation, measles is one of the leading causes of death among young children even though a safe and cost-effective vaccine is available.

In 2008, there were 164 000 measles deaths globally – nearly 450 deaths every day or 18 deaths every hour.

More than 95% of measles deaths occur in low-income countries with weak health infrastructures.

Measles vaccination resulted in a 78% drop in measles deaths between 2000 and 2008 worldwide.

2 Responses to Measles outbreak in Zambia getting worse

  1. munthu,

    I was about to say evacuate them to South Africa.

    Hopefully, it is not due to neglect of our health facilities, loss of direction and misplaced priorities.

    KAPATAMOYO - June 28, 2010
    11:03

  2. take them to morningside!!

    muntu - June 28, 2010
    09:02