Measles takes toll in Madagascar

Geneva – At least 922 children and young adults have died of measles in Madagascar since October, despite a huge emergency vaccination programme, the World Health Organization (WHO) said.

The number of deaths is based on official numbers, but these are likely to be very incomplete, as is the current total of infections, at 66 000, Dr. Katrina Kretsinger of WHO’s expanded programme on immunisation told a news briefing.

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease that can cause complications including blindness and brain swelling.