WHO report: Measles epidemic in Madagascar takes over 900 lives

The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that an epidemic of measles in Madagascar has caused over 900 deaths.

According to the figures given by WHO, there have been more than 68,000 cases of the disease in which 553 deaths were confirmed and another 373 suspected from measles since the outbreak began in September. Those most at risk are infants from nine to 11 months old.

The epidemic is blamed on a low immunization rate for measles across the island nation over a period of many years, according to Tarik Jasarevic, WHO's spokesman. The vaccination rate is estimated to be less than 60 percent, according to the figures from WHO and UNICEF, he said.

Madagascar has launched a nationwide campaign to try to bring the outbreak under control, through mass vaccination campaigns and surveillance.

With inputs from agencies.

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