The number of confirmed cases of measles in Chinsali district has risen to 23 cases in the last of 24 hours. Chinsali district recorded its first three cases of measles on March 13, 2023.
District Health Director in charge of Technical Services, Kennedy Kabuswe, has confirmed the increase in the number of cases of measles to the Zambia News and Information Services (ZANIS) in Chinsali.
And speaking during the District Epidemic Preparedness meeting, Dr. Kabuswe said Chinsali district hospital has created an isolation ward within the institution premises where the first two affected babies were admitted and are responding well.
He said as a measure to reduce infection, the hospital management has also reduced the visiting hours and restricted entry into the wards.
Meanwhile, Chinsali Municipal Council Director Public Health, Abwino Banda, urged the general public to abide by the instructions being given by health experts if the virus has to be contained.
And District Nursing Officer In-charge of Mother and Child Health, Patrick Mwiya, said the district emergency response team will continue conducting measles vaccinations to eligible age groups of nine to 18 months, according to the World Health Organization (WHO) protocols.
Mr Mwiya has since appealed to mothers whose children missed the nine months vaccine to visit the nearest health facility.
“Our concern is those children who missed the vaccines due to various myths are more at risk and if we miss them again, chances are high that they might die once they get infected,” he said.
Measles has broken out in Chinsali district in Muchinga Province with 23 confirmed cases.
