Published Date: 2010-08-11 15:25:42
Subject: PRO/EAFR> Measles - Africa (29): Zambia
Archive Number: 20100811.211138
MEASLES - AFRICA (29): ZAMBIA
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A ProMED-mail post
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International Society for Infectious Diseases
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Date: Wed 11 Aug 2010
Source: Times of Zambia (Zambia) [edited]
http://www.times.co.zm/news/viewnews.cgi?category=6&id=1281504800
Measles cases in Zambia have risen to 6252 with Lusaka still
recording the highest number of cases at 4928. And the Ministry of
Health has said it recorded a 90 per cent success rate in the
just-ended measles vaccination exercise.
Ministry spokesperson Kamoto Mbewe said in an interview in Lusaka
that there had been a slight reduction in the number of deaths
recorded. "These figures are cumulative and they are as of 2 Aug
2010, so we have seen a slight reduction in the number of deaths
recorded," he said.
Dr Mbewe said out of the 110 deaths recorded countrywide, Lusaka
still topped with 106.
He said Lundazi recorded 789 cases, with 3 deaths, Chibombo 232 with
one death. Kabwe had 30, Nyimba 58, and Katete 27, with no deaths
recorded.
Commenting on the suspected outbreak of measles at Evelyn Hone
College, Dr Mbewe said he was unable to confirm the outbreak, saying
health experts were still carrying out laboratory investigations.
Dr Mbewe also said 90 per cent of children between the ages of 6
months and 5 years were captured during last month's countrywide
child health week vaccination exercise. He, however, said his
ministry was still compiling statistics of the children who were
vaccinated.
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Communicated by:
HealthMap Alerts via ProMED-EAFR
[Measles cases and deaths have risen by 75 per cent and 77 per cent
respectively since the last national update 4 weeks ago (see
ProMED-EAFR posting 20100714.209169). Fortunately a national measles
immunisation campaign has just been concluded with an impressive
coverage that should help reverse the current measles trends.
A map showing the provinces of Zambia can be accessed at
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Provinces_of_Zambia, and the
HealthMap/ProMED-mail interactive map of the country can be accessed
at http://healthmap.org/r/017q. - Mod.JFW]