Thirty-one people have lost their lives to measles across the country since the first outbreaks in July last year, health authorities said.

Between July and January, 1191 cases of the disease were diagnosed in the provinces of Cabo Delgado, Niassa, Nampula, Zambézia and Sofala, with the northern region recording more episodes and, consequently, a greater number of deaths, writes "Noticias", quoting health authorities.

Aleny Couto, deputy national director of Public Health at the Ministry of Health, said that currently only Nampula province has an active measles outbreak. However, there have been no new episodes for more than 14 days.

To prevent further cases, the sector is urging parents to follow the vaccination schedule on their children's health cards.

"The vaccination schedule calls for children to receive the first dose of measles vaccine at nine months and the second at 18 months. It's important that this group receives vitamin A supplements every six months," he said, as quoted by "Notícias".

He also said that the sector is stepping up surveillance in the affected areas and is planning to carry out vaccination campaigns in the districts surrounding those with measles outbreaks.

"We continue to send technical notes to areas with active outbreaks, explaining how to make the suspicion and diagnosis, where to send them and how to report suspected cases for better management of the outbreak," he said.

Couto reiterated the need to avoid contact with people suspected of being infected with measles or with a confirmed diagnosis.

Measles is a contagious and serious viral disease that mainly affects children, but can also affect adults. Among the complications associated with it are pneumonia, encephalitis, diarrhea, ear infections and blindness. (Source: News)