Kanungu RDC Urges Adherence to Health Protocols amidst Rapid Measles Outbreak

Summary:

• The affected sub-counties include Kanyatorongo Town Council, Kanyatorongo Sub-county, Kihiihi Town Council, and Kanungu Town Council.

---

KANUNGU: The Kanungu Resident District Commissioner, Ambroze Amanyire Mwesigye, has urged locals to adhere to standard operating procedures to curb the outbreak of the measles virus in the district.

RDC Amanyire made these remarks while addressing the press at his office at the district headquarters in Kanungu Town Council on Tuesday. He stated that a campaign to fight the measles virus has already begun and reassured the public that the situation is not a security threat.

He mentioned that community dialogues have been conducted with nearby villages, sub-counties, and areas in Congo for the same cause.

RDC Amanyire warned against relying on witchcraft, prayers, and herbs as remedies for measles and urged people to trust scientifically approved immunizations provided by the Ministry of Health and the World Health Organization.

The Assistant District Health Officer, Kato Besisira, reported that the outbreak of the measles virus is spreading rapidly. According to Besisira, one person has died from measles, and 32 others have been diagnosed with the virus within the district.

The first victim, who died on June 23, 2024, was followed by four others showing symptoms. Blood tests sent to the Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI) confirmed two additional cases, leading the Ministry of Health to declare Kanungu a measles-infected district.

Besisira emphasized that measles is an airborne disease affecting both young and old. He advised parents to bring children aged 1.5 years for the first dose of the vaccine and those aged 5 years for the second dose at any nearby health center.

He reported that 94% of children have received the first dose, while 30% have received the second dose across the district. Besisira advised that older individuals should maintain general cleanliness and consume a balanced diet rich in fruits to boost immunity against the virus.

He stressed the importance of washing hands and avoiding crowded places to prevent the spread of measles.

Besisira noted that they are working with Kabale Regional Hospital (KRH) to control the outbreak.

The affected sub-counties include Kanyatorongo Town Council, Kanyatorongo Sub-county, Kihiihi Town Council, and Kanungu Town Council. The virus was introduced by an individual who contracted it in the DRC Congo, traveled through Kasese, and ultimately brought it to Kanungu District.