According to a statement received by Reuters, the government claims that the epidemic has now spread over the entire nation and that the fatality rate among those affected has reached 6.9%.
As of August 11, the nation had recorded 1,036 suspected cases and 125 confirmed cases, with the majority of the cases occurring in Manicaland, in eastern Zimbabwe, according to Zimbabwean Health Minister Jasper Chimdza.
The measles pandemic, which was first discovered on April 10, has expanded throughout the nation since then as a result of church gatherings, the Ministry of Health and Child Welfare wants to warn the public.
According to him, the measles expanded to regions where the disease had not previously been present because of these gatherings, which were attended by individuals from numerous regions of the country whose vaccination status is unclear.
The minister said that 356 incidents—including 45 fatalities—took place in the missionary-run nation of Manicaland.
He added that the bulk of cases recorded are in children between the ages of six months and 15 from religious groups whose members do not take the measles vaccine due to personal or religious convictions.
In Zimbabwe, some branches of the Apostolic Church prevent their adherents from receiving vaccinations or medical care.
Millions of people are drawn to churches by their claims to be able to heal illnesses and help people escape poverty.
The government decided to start a massive immunisation campaign in disease-prone areas because of the low vaccination rate and, in certain cases, the lack of records.
Measles infections have returned to church gatherings in Harare after the deaths of 80 youngsters.
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