Death toll of contaminated measles vaccines topped 36

(Zaman Al Wasl)- The death toll of contaminated measles vaccines in rebel-held Idlib province has risen to 36 children, as tens still in critical condition, medical source in Jrjanaz Hospital said early Wednesday.

The vaccines were provided by the opposition’s interim Health Ministry which has been formed in exile but has access to some of the rebel-held areas in the Idlib province.

Opposition sources said that the spoiled vaccines may have not been properly stored before being administered to the children.

Some opposition figures say Bashar al-Assad’s regime is behind measles massacre.

Adnan Hazzouri, Health Minister, in press conference held in Turkish Gaziantep city Tuesday evening, has refused to take full responsibility of the massacre despite his willingness to resign.

Head of the vaccination campaign, Dr. Bashir Taj al-Din, said even if the measles vaccine was expired, its complications should not lead to death; it can lead revoke the immunity against measles as well as it will combine with rash.

The vaccination campaign was launched on Monday with hope to reach 48, 000 children in rebel-held areas. 690 doctors, nurses and volunteers have been participated in cooperation with international Health associations.