Ministry of Health declares measles outbreak

The Ministry of Health has declared measles outbreak after 32 people in Lilongwe , Area 36 have been affected by the disease.

In a press release signed by the Secretary for the ministry, Samson Mndolo, the cases were confirmed as of November 3, 2023 after doing laboratory tests.

“Blood samples from 9 suspected cases were tested, and all were confirmed positive for measles,” said Mndolo.

In a press release, MoH added that most of the affected individuals are children under the age of 15 years many of whom had not received the recommended measles vaccination due to religious and culture beliefs.

Meanwhile, the Ministry together with health partners are working tirelessly to contain situation including a supplementary measles vaccination campaign to reach all the children in the affected areas and also extensive Public awareness campaigns in order to educate community about measles and the importance of vaccination.

“In response in Lilongwe, the Ministry of Health with support from partners has outlined various measures to contain the situation including the supplementary vaccination campaign to reach all children in the affected areas, extensive Public awareness campaigns to educate communities about measles, it’s symptoms and the importance of vaccination.

“[The ministry will also] enhance the surveillance and monitoring of measles cases to track the outbreak’s progress and identity potential hospitals; prompt management of individual with supportive therapy as well as isolation and close contact quarantine where feasible,” adds the press release.

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease that poses significant health risks but is preventable through hygiene practices like hand washing with soap, covering one’s mouth and nose while sneezing and coughing apart from vaccination.

Measles have symptoms like high fever, cough, runny nose, red and watery eyes, sore throat, and a distinctive rash of small red spots. Measles can lead to several respiratory and neurological implications.

The Ministry has meanwhile, urged the public to follow all the preventive measures as it is working diligently to control the outbreak.