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Tendai Gukutikwa
Post Reporter
THE measles death toll continues to rise, with 34 people reported to have succumbed to the disease so far.
A fortnight ago, it was reported that 23 people from Mutasa District had died. The disease has since spread to Mutare where five suspected cases were reported.
In an interview with The Manica Post, Manicaland Provincial Epidemiology Diseases Control Officer, Dr Munyaradzi Mukuzunga said the number of measles deaths has risen to 34 in Mutasa District.
“At least 344 confirmed measles cases have been reported so far. We responded with a mass vaccination blitz for those under 15 years in Mutasa District. Active search for cases has also been increased.
“The Ministry of Health and Child Care has also increased surveillance for possible measles cases across the province,” he said.
Dr Mukuzunga said Mutasa has to date vaccinated 92 percent of those targetted for mass vaccination with the measles rubella vaccine.
The target for mass vaccination are children aged from six months to 15 years. The target population is about 78 968,” he said.
Dr Mukuzunga also said Vitamin A supplementation is being done together with mass vaccination in Mutasa for the target group.
Acting Mutare City Health Director, Mrs Eunice Muyambuki said five suspected cases of measles were recorded in the city over the past week.
Of the five cases, four tested negative, while one came out positive.
The case was recorded in Hob-House suburb. Speaking at a Drug Awareness Campaign held last week on Saturday at Meikles Park, Mrs Muyambuki said Mutare city is at higher risk of contracting the disease due to its proximity to Mutasa District.
“Due to its proximity and interactions with Mutasa District, Mutare also recorded five suspected cases of measles in Hob-House recently. We are, however, happy to say that as a city, we are doing all we can to contain the spread of the disease,” she said.
Measles spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It is so contagious that if one person has it, up to nine out of 10 people around him or her will also become infected if they are not protected.
She advised that if a child who is 15 years old and below has flu like symptoms, they should seek treatment immediately.
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