Measles spreads very quickly. Despite vaccination campaigns since the detection of the first cases on April 10, Zimbabwe is facing a serious epidemic. The government accuses religious gatherings of having promoted the spread of the disease. It mainly affects children from 6 months to 15 years old. In four days, the number of measles cases almost doubled, from 1,036 to 2,056.
According to the authorities, at least 157 children have died as a result of the contamination. “These gatherings, attended by people from different provinces of the country whose vaccination status is not known, have led to the spread of measles in areas hitherto spared”, denounces Jasper Chimedza on Tuesday August 16. The health secretary pointed out that the reported cases come mainly from religious groups hostile to vaccination. In April, the World Health Organization (WHO) recognized a 400% increase in measles cases in Africa.
