The ManicaPost
DESPITE rapidly increasing measles immunisation coverage in Zimbabwe, measles remain endemic, and regular outbreaks occur, with Manicaland being one of the hotspots.
The current wave has seen Manicaland recording the highest number of infections and deaths, with the statistics mainly attributed to immunisation gaps due to faith and traditional beliefs that have seen some children missing out on national vaccination, which is free.
As of September 5, the province had recorded 3 009 cases and 347 deaths since the onset of the outbreak of the disease early this year.
Cumulatively, 47,8 percent of the cases recorded across the country have been reported in Manicaland.
As a result of the disease, at least 700 children have died since April 10 when Mutasa District in Manicaland Province became the country’s first district to report the measles outbreak.
Due to low coverage of vaccination in some pockets across the province, some areas are being hit badly by the virus, thereby causing many deaths.
Sometime in July, we even reported that measles had wiped out four children from the same family in Honde Valley within 10 days.
This paints a gloomy picture that can only be lightened through the vaccination of children against the disease, especially considering that vaccination is the best way to prevent the spread of the virus.
Government is therefore conducting a vaccination blitz against measles, targeting children under the ages of six months and five years.
Measles is one of the world’s most contagious and serious diseases and hence it is imperative that the virus is put under control.
It is spread by coughing and sneezing, close personal contact or direct contact with infected nasal or throat secretions.
The virus infects the respiratory tract, then spreads throughout the body.
Before the introduction of a measles vaccine in 1963 and its widespread adoption worldwide, major epidemics occurred approximately every two to three years.
Measles caused an estimated 2,6 million deaths each year, mostly in children under the age of five years.
Accelerated immunisation activities with a safe and effective vaccine have had a major impact on reducing measles deaths.
With an outbreak in our midst, efforts need to be doubled to contain the virus.
Knowing the signs and symptoms of measles is also very crucial as it will help in minimising the chances of exposing other children to the virus.
The first sign of measles is usually a high fever, which begins about 10 to 12 days after exposure to the virus and lasts four to seven days.
A runny nose, a cough, red and watery eyes, as well as small white spots inside the cheeks can develop in the initial stage.
After several days, a rash erupts, usually on the face and upper neck.
Over about three days, the rash spreads, eventually reaching the patient’s hands and feet.
Unvaccinated young children are at higher risk of measles and its complications, including death.
However, although measles is often classified as a childhood illness, adults, especially those who aren’t vaccinated, can also get infected by the virus.
It is encouraging to note that demand for the measles jab has been high.
Over the past few weeks, health personnel have been deployed to high traffic areas to administer the vaccine to children under five years old.
With local authorities joining hands with Government, measles will soon be brought under control.
