AFRICA/CONGO DR - Serious outbreak of measles since the beginning of the year 6,524 cases and 33 deaths have been recorded

Kinshasa (Agenzia Fides) - A cholera outbreak in Katanga province continues to exacerbate another outbreak of measles which in the last six months has affected the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). "Children infected with cholera and that have not been vaccinated against measles are much more vulnerable to the disease, " is said in a statement issued by the Local Coordinator of Oms, received by Fides. Measles causes infection of the respiratory system which is highly contagious, only preventable by vaccination, and can be fatal in untreated children. According to Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF), the epidemic could kill between 1 and 15 percent of unvaccinated children and up to 25% malnourished and vulnerable people who have precarious access to health care. Since the beginning of this year 6,524 cases with 33 deaths have occurred . As of September 2010 more than 1.5 million children were vaccinated, but the disease is spreading like wildfire. Since January, MSF is supporting the local health authorities with kits for the treatment, monitoring of the disease, vaccinations (1.5 million doses have been prepared ). The organization has responded to emergencies in the provinces of Katanga, Kasai Occidental and South Kivu, but new epidemics are spreading also in Bandundu, Kasai Oriental and Maniema. (AP) (Agenzia Fides 14/04/2011)