Summary:
- The District Health Officer, Birungi Mutahunga, reported that ten suspected cases have been registered, with three confirmed so far.
KANUNGU: Health officials have confirmed an outbreak of measles in the villages of Nyabirehe and Rukarara in Kihembe sub-county, Kanungu District.
The District Health Officer, Birungi Mutahunga, reported that ten suspected cases have been registered, with three confirmed so far. One victim died on Wednesday after samples from the Uganda Virus Research Institute tested positive for measles, confirming the outbreak. Birungi stated that they are awaiting results for five other suspects whose samples have also been sent to the Uganda Virus Research Institute in Kampala.
Birungi mentioned that since the outbreak has been confirmed, they will not send further samples to the Uganda Virus Research Institute. Children presenting with rash, fever, and other symptoms will be considered as measles victims.
CUE IN BIRUNGI….ON OUTBREAK……RR.ENG//
Birungi added that the district task force has been re-instated, and efforts are underway to sensitize the public and village health teams to report any suspected cases. Health workers across the district have been instructed to screen patients in various health facilities. He also revealed that if cases surge, the district will opt for mass vaccination.
CUE IN BIRUNGI….ON MASS VACCINATION……RR.ENG//
Longino Mujurizi, the Kanungu District Health Educator, stated that Greater Kanyantorogo sub-county is known for poor immunization statistics. The health department is scaling up immunization and mass sensitization in the affected communities to prevent further spread of the virus. Mujurizi explained that they are supplementing patients with Vitamin A and cautioned residents to avoid overcrowding, especially in areas where the virus has been reported.
Measles presents with fever, dry cough, runny nose, sore throat, inflamed eyes, tiny white spots with bluish-white centers on a red background inside the mouth on the inner lining of the cheek, and a skin rash made of large, flat blotches that often flow into one another. According to health experts, the signs and symptoms of measles appear around 10 to 14 days after exposure to the virus.
