Twelve children have died of measles in Tanzania’s Mlele district in the south-western region of the country, according to district commissioner Majid Mwanga in the latest measles outbreak in Tanzania. Mwanga revealed that 847 children have been infected with measles in the district between December 2022 and February 2023. Health workers have already vaccinated 16,480 children, and the exercise is ongoing, Mwanga added.
The Tanzanian government has urged people in the area to discard false beliefs, including the idea that their children died after being bewitched, and instead encourage them to get vaccinated. The country’s Minister of Health, Ummy Mwalimu, had previously declared an outbreak of measles in seven regions five months ago. Since then, a nationwide campaign has been launched to provide vaccinations for measles and rubella to children under the age of five.
Measles outbreak in Tanzania – symptoms
Measles can affect people of all ages, but it mostly affects children under five. The disease typically starts with cold-like symptoms, followed by a rash several days later. Some individuals may also develop small spots in their mouth.
Measles is a highly contagious disease that spreads through contact with respiratory droplets from an infected person.
Measles symptoms typically appear in stages, with the first symptoms resembling a cold or flu, followed by the appearance of the rash. The rash usually starts on the face and neck before spreading to the rest of the body. The rash may last for several days before fading away.
Measles can cause other complications, such as ear infections, pneumonia, and encephalitis, which is a severe inflammation of the brain. These complications are more common in young children, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems.
It’s essential to seek medical attention if you or someone you know shows symptoms of measles, especially if they have not been vaccinated against the disease. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent complications and the spread of the virus to others.
Vaccination remains the most effective way to prevent the spread of measles. Health experts have warned that the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic could exacerbate the spread of preventable diseases such as measles due to a lack of access to healthcare facilities and vaccination programs.
Measles has been a persistent health challenge in Tanzania, a country located in East Africa, for several decades. Despite the significant strides made in eradicating the disease worldwide, measles outbreaks have been common in Tanzania, causing several deaths and illnesses.
When did the measles outbreak in in Tanzania begin?
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the most recent outbreak of measles in Tanzania was declared ongoing in June 2022, with cases reported in various regions, including Dar es Salaam, Dodoma, Geita, Iringa, Kagera, Mbeya, Mwanza, Simiyu, and Singida. Since then, the number of measles cases in the country has continued to increase, leading to numerous fatalities.
The Tanzanian government and various stakeholders have made significant efforts to curb the spread of measles over the years. For instance, the government launched the Expanded Programme on Immunization in 1979, which aimed to provide free vaccinations to children. The program was successful, with the country recording high immunization coverage rates for several years.
However, challenges such as inadequate resources, poor healthcare infrastructure, and low public awareness on the importance of vaccination have hindered the country’s efforts to eradicate measles. As a result, measles outbreaks continue to occur, leading to preventable deaths and illnesses.
In response to the ongoing measles outbreak, the WHO has been working with the Tanzanian government and other stakeholders to provide vaccinations and raise public awareness on the importance of vaccination. Additionally, various organizations have been supporting the Tanzanian government in building capacity in the health sector to better manage and prevent outbreaks of measles and other diseases.
In conclusion, the history of measles in Tanzania has been characterized by persistent outbreaks, despite the government’s efforts to eradicate the disease. The ongoing measles outbreak, which the WHO declared in June 2022, is a reminder of the need for continued investment in the health sector and public awareness on the importance of vaccination.
Image Credit: Mika Baumeister on Unsplash
