Over 450 Measles Cases Reported in Kasai-Oriental in Two Weeks

Kasai-Oriental, January 3, 2026 - More than 450 cases of measles have been recorded in Kasai-Oriental province over the past two weeks, raising serious public health concerns. According to health authorities, at least 456 cases have been registered since December 15. Dr. Jean-Pierre Sumba, the physician in charge of the measles response, reported that all 19 health zones in the province have been affected. He noted that children aged 0 to 59 months are the most impacted, although no deaths have been recorded so far. Health officials are urging parents to promptly take any children with fever to the nearest health center for early diagnosis and treatment. “Cases of measles are present throughout the province. It even resembles an epidemic,” Dr. Sumba warned. “However, we are awaiting an official declaration by the competent authority, namely the provincial governor. Some cases have already been confirmed by laboratory tests at the national level, and we have exceeded the alert thresholds.” According to Dr. Sumba, the province is preparing to roll out a measles response plan, while also expressing concern over vaccine hesitancy among some parents, which could complicate containment efforts. “At present, patients are being treated in the various health facilities where they are received. Our intervention plan is already operational,” he said. “In the meantime, targeted and small-scale vaccination campaigns are being organized in certain areas to prevent rapid spread of the disease.” Health authorities continue to monitor the situation closely as preventive measures are intensified across the province.

Faits rapportés

Kasai-Oriental, January 3, 2026 - More than 450 cases of measles have been recorded in Kasai-Oriental province over the past two weeks, raising serious public health concerns. According to health authorities, at least 456 cases have been registered since December 15. Dr. Jean-Pierre Sumba, the physician in charge of the measles response, reported that all 19 health zones in the province have been affected. He noted that children aged 0 to 59 months are the most impacted, although no deaths have been recorded so far. Health officials are urging parents to promptly take any children with fever to the nearest health center for early diagnosis and treatment. “Cases of measles are present throughout the province. It even resembles an epidemic,” Dr. Sumba warned. “However, we are awaiting an official declaration by the competent authority, namely the provincial governor. Some cases have already been confirmed by laboratory tests at the national level, and we have exceeded the alert thresholds.” According to Dr. Sumba, the province is preparing to roll out a measles response plan, while also expressing concern over vaccine hesitancy among some parents, which could complicate containment efforts. “At present, patients are being treated in the various health facilities where they are received. Our intervention plan is already operational,” he said. “In the meantime, targeted and small-scale vaccination campaigns are being organized in certain areas to prevent rapid spread of the disease.” Health authorities continue to monitor the situation closely as preventive measures are intensified across the province.