Rumphi District Health Office is conducting a one-day measles vaccination exercise in response to an outbreak of the disease at Mhuju in Senior Chief Mwahenga.
Chief Preventive Health Officer, Sam Chirwa said they are targeting 1,600 children from nine months to 15 years of age.
Some of the severe complications of measles include blindness, severe diarrhea and ear infections.
The health office has urged parents and guardians in affected areas to isolate children displaying symptoms such as a full-body rash, high fever, and persistent cough.
To enhance detection and response, the office has also intensified awareness campaigns targeting schools, equipping learners and teachers to identify and report suspected cases.
Health authorities say the outbreak is suspected to have originated from the East Bank area in the Southern Region.
Since the first four cases were confirmed on November 14, the number has escalated to 62 within two weeks.
Manasse Nyirenda, MANA
