APA-Lilongwe (Malawi) Malawi’s Ministry of Health has declared an outbreak of measles in Lilongwe’s Area 36 after more scores of cases were reported in the area.
Secretary for Health Samson Mndolo said in a statement on Monday that the outbreak has affected several villages in the area, with a total of 32 suspected measles cases recorded as of November 3.
“Most of the affected individuals are children aged under 15 years, many of whom had not received the recommended measles vaccination,” Mndolo said.
He said some of the reasons cited for non-vaccination included religious and cultural beliefs. Some apostolic sects refuse to take their children to clinics on religious grounds.
Mndolo said his ministry was working with local and international partners to contain the outbreak, with measures instituted including a supplementary vaccination campaign to reach all children in the affected areas.
Apart from vaccination, measles is preventable through basic hygiene practices such as washing hands with soap, covering one’s mouth and nose while sneezing or coughing.
The disease is highly contagious especially among children with symptoms such as high fever, cough, runny nose, red and watery eyes, soar throat and a distinctive rash of red spots, according to the ministry.
JN/APA