Authorities race to contain deadly measles outbreak in Karenga
A cumulative total of 152 cases has been registered since the outbreak began in December last year, with several new cases recorded in March.
The resident district commissioner (RDC) for Karenga, Peter Data Taban, speaks to residents of Komolichier village on issues of the measles outbreak in the area. (Photo by Olandason Wanyama)
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A fresh measles outbreak has claimed the lives of at least two children in Karenga district, prompting the Ministry of Health to embark on a mass vaccination exercise.
A cumulative total of 152 cases has been registered since the outbreak began in December last year, with several new cases recorded in March.
Reports indicate a surge in infections across several villages, leaving local authorities struggling to manage the influx of affected patients.
The resident district commissioner for Karenga, Peter Data Taban, when contacted on April 1, 2026, confirmed the deaths of two young children, adding that the first five cases were detected on February 13, 2026.
"When we took the samples to the Ministry of Health, the results were positive," he noted, adding that they suspected the cases were picked from Kangole. This urban centre hosts many immigrants from South Sudan near the Uganda border.
Taban said the decision to carry out mass vaccination was a significant step in containing the situation, adding that he suspects many families did not follow proper immunisation schedules, resulting in low immunity among the population.
Measles is a highly infectious disease that mainly affects children and spreads quickly through respiratory droplets.
Symptoms include high fever, a dry cough, skin rash and a runny nose, among others. In some cases, it can be fatal among unvaccinated children.
Taban further said more than 15 cases are still admitted at Karenga Health Centre, adding that, God willing, the situation, which had threatened to get out of hand, will be controlled.
He also said the outbreak will not be treated lightly, noting that the porous borders with South Sudan and Kenya could have contributed to the spread of the disease.
Taban encouraged residents to embrace the ongoing vaccination exercise, saying the district local government will continue awareness campaigns in places of worship, markets and schools to ensure measles is eradicated.