The Ministry of Health has confirmed that at least 20 districts across Uganda are currently battling outbreaks of measles, a highly contagious but vaccine-preventable disease that has so far claimed 12 lives this year.
According to the Ministry, the affected districts include Bulambuli, Kassanda, Amolatar, Kibaale, Nwoya, Karenga, Amuru, Agago, Kagadi, Kiboga, Kyegegwa, Kaabong, Kotido, Kween, Lira, Sembabule, Kikuube, Gulu, Kazo, Mubende, and Adjumani.
Speaking in Kampala on Tuesday, Charles Olaro, Director General of Health Services at the Ministry of Health Uganda, said districts that have recorded deaths this year include Kagadi, Kikuube, Adjumani, Bulambuli, and Karenga.
Dr Olaro explained that a person infected with measles can spread the disease from about four days before the appearance of the rash to four days after the rash develops.
He said common signs and symptoms of measles include fever, skin rash, cough, runny nose, and red eyes.
According to the Ministry, the recurring outbreaks are largely linked to gaps in routine immunisation coverage.
To address the situation, the Ministry of Health has announced a nationwide Measles-Rubella mass immunisation campaign scheduled for October targeting all children under the age of five, regardless of their previous vaccination status.
Dr Olaro emphasized that measles can be prevented through vaccination, noting that every child should receive at least two doses of the measles vaccine for full protection.
He explained that the first dose is administered at nine months of age or shortly afterwards, while the second dose should be given at 18 months.
The Ministry has urged parents and guardians to ensure that all children under five receive both doses of the Measles-Rubella vaccine in order to protect individual children and strengthen community immunity against the disease.
