GOVERNMENT is on high alert for measles as the Ministry of Health and Child Care (MoHCC) recorded at least 99 suspected cases of the disease in the past week.
FELUNA NLEYA
According to the MoHCC epidemiology and disease weekly report, most cases being confirmed are that of Rubella infection.
Director of epidemiology and disease control, Portia Manangazira told NewsDay that measles was under surveillance for illumination or eradication.
“Ongoing outbreak of Rubella affecting most provinces, no confirmed measles cases, however, investigations should continue as for measles,” the report reads.
Managazira said Mashonaland West recorded the highest number of suspected cases with 33, followed by Midlands with 29, Manicaland eight, Mashonaland East seven and Masvingo with four.
“Due to increasing numbers of suspected measles cases, all facilities are urged to be on high alert for measles and to investigate all suspected cases,” she said.
Rubella, also known as German measles or three-day measles, is a disease caused by the Rubella virus.
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The disease is often mild and attacks often pass unnoticed, the disease can last one to three days.
Rubella is a common childhood infection that is seldom fatal usually with minimal systemic upset.
It is transmitted via airborne droplet emission from the upper respiratory tract of active cases (can be passed along by the breath of people sick from rubella).
The virus may also be present in the urine, faeces and on the skin.
Measles is an infectious viral disease causing fever and a red rash, typically occurring in childhood.
Measles is spread through respiration, contact with fluids from an infected persons nose and mouth and is highly contagious.
Zimbabwe immunises children against measles at nine months, but some apostolic sects do not immunise their children hence their children will be susceptible to the disease.
