Staff Reporter
The Ministry of Health and Child Care has reported seven new suspected cases of measles this week, which have been spread across several provinces. These cases include three from Harare Province, two from Mashonaland Central, one each from Mashonaland West and Mashonaland EastProvinces. However, no new suspected deaths have been reported, with the death toll remaining at zero.
With the addition of these new cases, the total number of suspected measles cases in Zimbabwe has now reached 34. While there have been no fatalities, the situation is being closely monitored by health authorities to prevent further spread of the disease.
In response to the rising number of suspected cases, DrAspect Maunganidze, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health and Child Care, reassured the public that the Government is taking urgent action.
“We are committed to preventing a larger outbreak. Health authorities are already responding in the affected areas, ensuring that suspected cases are quickly identified and managed. We are working diligently with local health professionals to contain the situation.
“Measles is typically spread through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes, which makes it easily transmitted in crowded areas. Although no deaths have occurred, measles can lead to severe complications, such as pneumonia, encephalitis, and blindness, particularly among young children and those with compromised immune systems,” he added
Dr. Maunganidze also pointed to the Government’s ongoing vaccination efforts, which have been intensified in response to the outbreak.
“Vaccination remains our best defence against measles, and we have ramped up vaccination campaigns in areas where suspected cases have been reported. Our focus is to ensure that all children, especially in high-risk areas, receive the measles vaccine to prevent further spread of the disease,” he said.
He also urged parents to ensure that their children are up to date with their immunisations. “Measles is preventable through vaccination. We call on every parent to take their child for immunisation to protect both their family and the broader community,” he added.
The Ministry of Health and Child Care has deployed rapid response teams to the affected regions to provide vaccinations and increase public awareness. Surveillance systems have also been strengthened to quickly identify and isolate any new cases. Government remains focused on controlling the outbreak and ensuring that no further cases escalate into a larger public health crisis.
