Measles Threat Returns as 38 New Cases Reported Na...

Measles Threat Returns as 38 New Cases Reported Nationwide

Zim Now Writer

A fresh wave of suspected measles infections is raising alarm across Zimbabwe, with 38 new cases recorded in the first week of April alone, according to the Ministry of Health and Child Care.

The spike has reignited fears of another national outbreak, particularly in communities with low vaccination uptake.

The new cases were detected in all provinces except Bulawayo, bringing the cumulative total of suspected measles cases this year to 93.

Although no fatalities have been reported so far, health authorities are concerned that the highly contagious virus could spread rapidly if urgent vaccination efforts are not ramped up.

The development comes as the country continues to recover from the 2022 measles outbreak, which claimed the lives of more than 750 children—mostly from rural and religious communities where immunisation was widely resisted. That crisis exposed significant gaps in the public healthcare system, including poor outreach and vaccine hesitancy.

Medical practitioner Dr Johannes Marisa said the resurgence of measles was not unexpected, but entirely avoidable.

“Measles has always been there and it can resurface in sporadic outbreaks. What’s important now is ensuring people, especially children, are vaccinated,” he said.

Dr Marisa warned that children remain the most vulnerable, and that failure to vaccinate can result in severe illness or death. He also criticised religious groups that discourage immunisation, saying they undermine national health goals.

Weak Health Infrastructure to Blame?

Community Working Group on Health director Itai Rusike said the outbreak signals deeper systemic problems.

“It’s unfortunate that young children are still contracting measles despite the availability of a vaccine. This could point to weakened health systems or a drop in vaccination coverage, especially after the disruptions caused by COVID-19,” he said.

Rusike urged the government to collaborate with religious leaders and community influencers to restore public trust in immunisation and strengthen healthcare outreach.

As of April 3, the distribution of the 38 new cases is as follows: Mashonaland East: 6, Masvingo: 2, Harare: 2, Mashonaland Central: 1, Mashonaland West: 1,cMatabeleland North: 1, Matabeleland South: 1 and Manicaland: 1.

Health experts warn that without immediate action—mass vaccination drives, public education campaigns, and engagement with resistant communities—Zimbabwe could face another preventable health tragedy.