WHO Raises Concern After Measles Kills 704 Children In Zimbabwe

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has expressed concern about an ongoing measles outbreak in Zimbabwe, where the disease is spreading rapidly to all parts of the country.

Speaking during an online briefing to reporters on Thursday, Fiona Braka, team leader for emergency operations at the WHO, said:

It’s the first in many years at this scale and it’s been progressing quickly in a community that is reticent to accept vaccines.

… The case fatality is relatively higher when compared to other recent outbreaks.

The measles outbreak was first detected in Mutasa District, Manicaland Province, on 10 April this year.

Health and Child Care Ministry permanent secretary Jasper Chimedza said the disease spread countrywide possibly because of church gatherings.

According to the Ministry of Health, as of 6 September 2022, Zimbabwe had 6 551 confirmed cases, including 4 633 recoveries and 704 deaths. | Bloomberg