Emirates – More than 150 children die from measles in two weeks in Zimbabwe

Harare, 17 August 2022 (WAM) — A measles outbreak in Zimbabwe has killed at least 157 children and infected more than 2,000 people nationwide, the government said on Tuesday. did.

The southern African country has seen a rapid rise in cases since authorities said the first infections were recorded earlier this month, with the number of reported deaths nearly doubling within a week.

Information Minister Monika Mutsvanwa briefed journalists after the weekly cabinet meeting and said, “As of Aug. 15, the cumulative figures nationwide have risen to 2,056 cases and 157 deaths.” .

Mutsvangwa said the government plans to step up vaccination and has invoked a special law to allow funds to be withdrawn from the National Disaster Fund “to deal with emergencies.”

The measles virus primarily attacks children with the most serious complications such as blindness, brain swelling, diarrhea and severe 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 is now preventable with a vaccine.