698 Measles-Related Children Fatalities Reported in Africa

The fatalities from a measles outbreak in unvaccinated children living in Zimbabwe have risen to 698, reported VOA. The South African nation has confirmed 6,291 measles cases since the episode began in the Manicaland province in April 2022.

VOA reported on September 4, 2022, that there is a call for the enactment of legislation to make measles vaccination for the population of 15 million people.

The Zimbabwe government has embarked on a vaccination campaign targeting children and adolescents and is engaging various leaders to support the life-saving initiative.

The World Health Organization had warned of an increase in measles in vulnerable countries due to a disruption of services due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Almost 41 countries have already put off, or may put off, their measles campaigns for 2020 or 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

In July 2022, UNICEF stated about 25 million children had missed out on routine immunizations against common childhood diseases, calling it a "red alert" for child health.

And the U.S. CDC lists the Top Ten Countries (Nigeria, India, Pakistan) confirming measles cases as of August 12, 2022.

As of August 2022, the CDC had confirmed (6) measles cases this year; however, almost 1,300 measles cases were reported in 2019. 

Measles is among the most infectious diseases worldwide and primarily spreads in the air by coughing, sneezing, or close contact.

Measles is a vaccine-preventable disease, with several U.S. FDA approves vaccines easily accessible in most countries.

The FDA recently approved the Priorix vaccine to prevent measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) in individuals one year and older.

Other MMR vaccines are listed at PrecisionVaccinations.com/Measles.

These measles vaccines are generally available at most clinics and pharmacies in the USA.