The ministry also reported an outbreak of measles in 10 districts around the crisis-hit country. According to the ministry, a cumulative total of 248 probable cases of the deadly H1N1 virus had been recorded by November 8 in four provinces since July when the disease was first detected in the country. By week ending 8 November, 248 cumulative probable1 cases of Pandemic H1N1(2009) had been reported in Zimbabwe, 41 of which were confirmed by PCR (Polymerase chain reaction) to be Pandemic H1N1(2009), the ministry said. Thirty new probable cases of swine flu during the week ending November 8, of which one case was from Harare and the rest from Seke and Mvuma.
All the reported cases are from Manicaland, Harare, Mashonaland East and Midlands, with the most affected districts being Harare Urban, Chivhu, Marondera, Goromonzi, Seke, Mutasa, Nyanga and Chirumhanzu. Aid agencies have warned of a surge in swine flu cases during the next seven months as Zimbabweans continue to travel within the region in search of economic refuge. They project that the number of people with swine flu could rise to about 125 by June 2010 unless something is done to stem the tide of Zimbabweans crossing into South Africa and other neighbouring countries.
The Ministry of Health also reported a measles outbreak that has hit parts of Bubi, Bulawayo, Harare, Makoni, Makonde, Marondera, Chegutu, Chipinge, Chirumhanzu and Zvishavane
The total number of reported suspected measles cases to date is about 200, said the ministry. Makoni district reported seven suspected measles deaths, three of which were from the same family that belongs to the Johane Masowe apostolic sect and were never vaccinated before. It is suspected that the diseases was contracted during a regional church gathering which included church followers from South Africa, the ministry said.
The ministry had now intensified vaccination programmes in the affected districts although some although some apostolic sect members still refuse to have their children vaccinated.
Post published in: Analysis