Measles outbreak worries Kibaale residents

Jan 27, 2014

FOUR people have died and 10 others are being closely monitored after a suspected outbreak of measles in Kakindo and Birembo Sub Counties, Kibaale district

By Shamin Saad

FOUR people have died and 10 others are being closely monitored after a suspected outbreak of measles in Kakindo and Birembo Sub Counties, Kibaale district.

The four children died on Sunday after battling the diseases in a period of one week. They are aged between 2 to 8
Three additional cases have been reported in Buyaga West County.

According to William Mutesa, a member of the Village Health Team-VHT, before their death, the two presented high fever, general skin rash and running nose, which are known signs of measles.

Last evening, a team of health workers was dispatched to Kakindo Sub Country to collect blood samples from some of the patients for further scrutiny.

Sanyu Suleiman, the Kibaale district surveillance Officer (DSO), said they will collect body tissue from the deceased.

The village chairperson, Andrew Nibihurira, said the suspected outbreak was due to poor response to immunization adding that most of the children aged between two and five years are not immunizes.

Residents were advised to avoid direct body contact with patients as a basic precautionary measure.

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