According to government spokesperson Nick Mangwana, within a month’s span, 35 children have passed away due to suspected cases of measles and mumps in Hurungwe district, located in the Mashonaland West province.

These children belong to apostolic religious groups, with two families mourning the loss of seven and five children respectively.

Mangwana emphasized that the Civil Protection Unit (CPU) is actively addressing the situation and encouraging parents to ensure their children receive proper immunization.

Mangwana remarked, “The CPU is currently addressing the demise of 35 children within a month, suspected to be caused by measles and mumps.”

He further detailed, “These children belong to a particular apostolic religious group. The heartbreaking incidents were brought to light when a member of the congregation admitted four of his children to Karoi Hospital, two displaying symptoms of measles, and the other two with mumps.”

The affected areas include Ward 4, Ward 22, and Nyama Village 5 within Hurungwe RDC.

Among the deceased children, the Nduna household suffered the loss of seven, Magara lost five, while Matashu, Chikonamombe, and the Kaitano family each lost two.

Mangwana disclosed that a team from the CPU has been deployed to engage with the leadership at the shrine.