Mozambique Reports 31 Measles Deaths Amid Ongoing Outbreaks

In Mozambique, 31 measles fatalities occurred among 1,191 diagnosed cases from July to January, primarily affecting Nampula, Cabo Delgado, and Niassa. A cholera outbreak previously recorded in Nampula now shows no new cases. Health authorities advocate for urgent vaccination campaigns and better community surveillance to prevent further disease spread.

Between July 9 and January 28, Mozambique reported 31 measles deaths among 1,191 diagnosed cases in the central and northern regions. During a press conference in Maputo, Deputy National Director of Public Health, Aleny Couto, highlighted that Nampula province is the only area currently experiencing an active measles outbreak, although no new cases or deaths have been recorded in the last two weeks.

The measles outbreak has primarily affected areas in the northern provinces of Cabo Delgado, Niassa, and Nampula, along with central provinces like Zambezia and Sofala. Detailed reports indicate the distribution of cases: 428 in Niassa, 351 in Nampula, 341 in Cabo Delgado, 42 in Sofala, and 29 in Zambezia. The fatalities from measles have been concentrated in Cabo Delgado with 17 deaths, Nampula with 11, and Niassa with three, emphasizing the regional impact of the outbreak.

Urgent vaccination initiatives are essential to curb the spread of measles and prevent further outbreaks, particularly in Nampula, which also faced a cholera outbreak earlier. Couto emphasized the necessity for heightened immunization efforts and community education to combat misinformation surrounding epidemics, ensuring health services remain operational despite threats to health workers.

Original Source: clubofmozambique.com