Zambia has recorded four deaths following a measles outbreak.

The Western Province of Zambia, bordering Namibia, has been declared an epicentre of the outbreak.

Zambia's Ministry of Health Permanent Secretary, Kennedy Lishimpi, said Sikongo and Shangombo are the affected districts with 329 suspected cases and three deaths.

The fourth death has been recorded in the capital, Lusaka.

Dr. Lishimpi explained.

"Other provinces with active cases are Lusaka, Northwestern, and Southern Provinces. To give you a summary of cases from January, the western province in Sikongo and Shangombo districts had 329 suspected cases, 17 confirmed cases, and three deaths.”

Suspected cases are 700.

Measles is a highly contagious airborne viral disease characterised by high fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and a distinct blotchy red rash that typically starts on the face and spreads downward.

It is largely preventable through the safe and effective vaccine.

Symptoms usually appear 10 to 12 days after exposure and typically last seven to 10 days.