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October 23, 2002

INTERNATIONAL IMMUNIZATION NEWS

"Zambia: Measles Breakout Contained"

Africa News Service (www.allafrica.com) (10/21/02)

In Zambia, Sinazongwe District Administrator Simon Sianchimba reported that a recent measles outbreak, which severely affected both children and adults and killed one child, has been successfully contained and fewer than 10 patients remain hospitalized.  While praising the work of health authorities for their diligence in containing the outbreak and avoiding heavy human losses, he was sharply critical of some religious leaders who encouraged followers to refuse vaccination.  Sianchimba noted that had the police not been involved in encouraging those parents to have their children vaccinated, the death toll could have been significantly higher.

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