Measles claims four in West Nile

 

 

According to Bhoka, over 95 cases of measles have been registered in eight sub-counties.

 

Bhoka said the areas that have been hit hardest are Itirikwa in Adjumani east, Ofua, Pakelle and Adjumani town council among others. 

 

"The outbreak has affected mainly children from host communities and not refugees," he noted.

 

"We submitted samples to the Uganda Virus Research Institute, and out of the five samples sent, four tested positive for measles," Bhoka noted.

 

He attributed the outbreak to a shortage of measles vaccines and refusal by parents in Ityerekwa Sub County to take their children for vaccination

 

Bhoka revealed that as a district, they have taken measures to intensify the disease surveillance activities and established treatment sites in H/C III, IV, and hospitals. Other measures include community dialogue and radio talk shows and redistribution of vaccines in isolated health facilities to overcome vaccine shortages.

 

Titus Jogo, the refugee desk officer for the Adjumani District said his office is working hard to ensure that the measles does not spread to other settlements.

 

According to Jogo, only three cases have been discovered in Majji II and they have deployed health officials to ensure that they immunize children to prevent further spread of the virus.

 

The outbreak of measles was first detected in the district on February 11 when samples collected from Mungula Health center IV, Openzinzi health center III and Adjumani general hospital turned out positive after tests at Uganda Virus Research Institute.