A measles outbreak in Zomba District, Malawi, has resulted in 65 reported cases and five deaths since August. The Chief Preventive Health Officer for Zomba District Health Office, Penjani Chunda, disclosed this information during a Public Health Emergency Management Committee meeting. The outbreak was confirmed through laboratory tests, and cases have been reported in various areas, including Matawale, Chamba, Naisi, Sadzi, Pirimiti, Zomba Central Hospital, and Zomba City Clinic catchment areas.
The affected individuals comprise 35 females and 30 males, with children being the most affected group. Specifically, children aged between five and 14 account for 53.8 percent of the cases, while those aged between one and four make up 40 percent. Currently, 32 patients are admitted to health facilities, with 25 at Pirimiti and seven at Zomba Central Hospital. The district health office is working to contain the spread of the disease.
According to Chunda, several factors have contributed to the outbreak, including mass gatherings, community exposure, and low vaccination uptake among some religious groups whose beliefs discourage seeking medical care for children. Investigations at Pirimiti identified 29 suspected cases among members of the Seventh Day Apostolic Church across five villages. The low vaccination uptake, influenced by religious beliefs, has been linked to the spread of the disease.
The Zomba District Health Office has intensified daily surveillance, specimen collection, case investigation, case management, and community engagement through meetings with traditional and religious leaders. The office has also received support from PACT for investigations, specimen collection, transportation, surveillance, and field interventions. These efforts aim to control the outbreak and prevent further spread.
Despite the progress, Chunda identified several challenges, including inadequate vitamin A supplies, limited knowledge of measles management among some health workers, low vaccination uptake, and delayed healthcare-seeking behavior. To address these challenges, the district health office is developing strategies such as community mobilization, resource mobilization, active case searches, and collaboration with teachers, parents, child protection officers, and legal services.
The district health office is working to ensure that children whose parents refuse medical attention can access healthcare. Chunda urged health workers to strengthen vitamin A supplementation, routine immunization, and mop-up vaccination exercises in communities with low vaccination coverage. These efforts will help prevent further spread of the disease and protect vulnerable populations.
The Zomba District Health Office continues to work to contain the measles outbreak and prevent further cases. Through collaborative efforts with stakeholders, the office aims to control the spread of the disease and protect the health of the community. Key efforts include enhancing surveillance, improving vaccination uptake, and promoting healthcare-seeking behavior.
Key points
- The Zomba District Health Office has recorded 65 measles cases and five deaths since the outbreak was detected in August this year.
- Children aged between five and 14 account for 53.8 percent of the cases, while those aged between one and four make up 40 percent.
- The district health office is working to address challenges such as inadequate vitamin A supplies, limited knowledge of measles management, and low vaccination uptake.
