Minister of Health reveals new figures on the spread of measles in Souss-Massa

Agadir24

The Minister of Health and Social Protection, Khalid Ait Taleb, revealed new figures and data regarding the spread of measles in the Souss-Massa region, specifically in the provinces of Taroudant and Chtouka Ait Baha.

In this context, the Minister acknowledged that there has been a significant increase in the number of measles cases in the two regions in recent months, noting that the number of recorded cases has reached 409.

In response to a written question from the Progress and Socialism Group regarding the emergence of an unknown virus in the regions of Taroudant and Chtouka Ait Baha, Ait Taleb explained that what has been observed is an increase in cases of measles or similar diseases accompanied by fever and skin rash.

The government official added that this increase began in late 2023, and included 51 territorial communities, especially: Ouled Berhil, Ahmar El Kalalcha, Sidi Abdallah Ou Said and Ouled Tayma, where 226 cases of fever accompanied by a rash were recorded, equivalent to 55% of the total number of cases.

The same spokesman confirmed that on March 2, the health authorities received information indicating the death of two children in the Sidi Abdallah Oussaid community following contracting measles, and that there were other children suffering from similar symptoms.

Regarding the measures taken to limit the spread of this epidemic and to quickly confront it, Ait Taleb highlighted that the health authorities have taken several measures, mainly related to intensifying measles vaccination campaigns in all primary health care institutions, and within the framework of the services provided by mobile medical units in rural areas.

In addition, surveillance and measles vaccination campaigns have been strengthened in closed settings such as boarding schools, old schools, social welfare institutions, the local prison, etc.

The Minister of Health and Social Protection concluded that the aim of these measures is to raise the levels of vaccination indicators and return them to what they were before the quarantine, during the Covid-19 pandemic.