The Ministry of Health has confirmed a measles outbreak in Zambia that has claimed four lives, with Western Province emerging as the epicentre after recording the highest number of suspected cases.
Speaking during a media briefing in Lusaka, Ministry of Health Permanent Secretary for Technical Services Kennedy Lishimpi said the country recorded 700 suspected measles cases between January and June 2026, from which 417 samples were collected for laboratory analysis.
Of these, 119 were laboratory-confirmed, while the remaining samples tested negative.
Dr Lishimpi said three deaths were recorded in Western Province, while one was reported in Lusaka Province.
He added that Western Province accounted for 329 suspected cases, making it the most affected area, with additional cases reported in Lusaka, North-Western, and Southern provinces.
In response to the outbreak, the Ministry of Health has intensified its public health interventions aimed at containing the further spread of the disease.
Dr Lishimpi said the ministry will conduct an Emergency Measles-Rubella Outbreak Immunisation Response targeting children aged six months to nine years in high-risk districts, including Sikongo, Shangombo, Chavuma, Chirundu, and Lusaka, from 6th to 11th July 2026. He said routine immunisation services will continue in all other districts to ensure sustained protection against the disease.
By Edna Mwiimbi Tembo
