Published Date: 2010-06-29 05:00:05
Subject: PRO/EDR> Measles - Africa (19): Zambia
Archive Number: 20100629.2162

MEASLES - AFRICA (19): ZAMBIA
*****************************
A ProMED-mail post
<http://www.promedmail.org>
ProMED-mail is a program of the
International Society for Infectious Diseases
<http://www.isid.org>

Date: Mon 28 Jun 2010
Source: Zambian Watchdog [edited]
<http://www.zambianwatchdog.com/2010/06/28/measles-outbreak-getting-worse=/>.


Zambia has recorded 1600 cases of measles since the disease broke out a
week ago. Director of Public Health and Research at the Ministry of Health
Victor Mukonka disclosed this in an interview with ZNBC [radio] over the
weekend.

Dr Mukonka, however, claimed that the disease is under control. He didn't
say how many people have died so far. He said all patients are receiving
treatment in isolation centres, which have been set up.

Dr Mukonka said the Ministry of Health will embark on a countrywide
campaign and immunisation against measles in the 3rd week of July 2010.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), measles is one of the
leading causes of death among young children, even though a safe and
cost-effective vaccine is available. In 2008, there were 164 000 measles
deaths globally, nearly 450 deaths every day or 18 deaths every hour. More
than 95 per cent of measles deaths occur in low-income countries with weak
health infrastructures. Measles vaccination resulted in a 78 per cent drop
in measles deaths between 2000 and 2008 worldwide.

--
communicated by:
HealthMap Alerts via
ProMED-mail <promed@promedmail.org>

[On 15 Jun 2010, the number of measles cases in Zambia was reported to be
817, and the number of fatalities to be 33. As of 28 Jun 2010, the number
of cases has increased to 1600, approximately. The number of deaths is not
stated in the above press report, but it is likely that more than 50
children have died now during the course of this outbreak. Further
information is awaited.

The HealthMap/ProMED-mail interactive map of Zambia can be accessed at:
<http://healthmap.org/r/017q>. - Mod.CP]

See Also

Measles - Africa (18): West, Southern 20100623.2095
Measles - Africa (17): Malawi 20100620.2073
Measles - Africa (16) 20100619.2063
Measles - Africa (15): Malawi 20100511.1538
Measles - Africa (14): West, Central 20100424.1333
Measles - Africa (13): Malawi 20100422.1302
Measles - Africa (12): Zimbabwe 20100419.1274
Measles - Africa (11): Zambia 20100413.1203
Measles - Africa (10): South Africa (WC) 20100408.1132
Measles - Africa (09): Nigeria (BA) 20100310.0781
Measles - Africa (08): South Africa (WC), Zimbabwe (BU) 20100302.0692
Measles - Africa (07): South Africa 20100212.0503
Measles - Africa (06): Nigeria (BY) 20100202.0360
Measles - Africa (05): South Africa (Cape) alert 20100202.0358
Measles - Africa (04): Nigeria (BY) RFI 20100129.0317
Measles - Africa (03): Zimbabwe (MV) 20100120.0232
Measles - Africa (02): Zimbabwe 20100120.0229
Measles - Africa: Namibia (KU) 20100117.0195

......................sb/cp/msp/sh



*##########################################################*
************************************************************
ProMED-mail makes every effort to verify the reports that
are posted, but the accuracy and completeness of the
information, and of any statements or opinions based
thereon, are not guaranteed. The reader assumes all risks in
using information posted or archived by ProMED-mail. ISID
and its associated service providers shall not be held
responsible for errors or omissions or held liable for any
damages incurred as a result of use or reliance upon posted
or archived material.
************************************************************
Donate to ProMED-mail. Details available at:
<http://www.isid.org/ProMEDMail_Donations.shtml>
************************************************************
Visit ProMED-mail's web site at <http://www.promedmail.org>.
Send all items for posting to: promed@promedmail.org (NOT to
an individual moderator). If you do not give your full name
name and affiliation, it may not be posted. You may unsub-
scribe at <http://www.isid.org/promedmail/subscribe.lasso>.
For assistance from a human being, send mail to:
<postmaster@promedmail.org>.
############################################################
############################################################