Agago district registers more cases of German measles

May 15, 2017

Speaking in an interview the District Health Officer (DHO) Dr. Emmanuel Otto, said the disease has affected children between 5 and 11 years. He however said most of the cases are reported in two sub counties including Parabongo and Paimol .

Agago district has registered at least 84 cases of German measles commonly known as Rubella in children ever since the onset of the outbreak.

Speaking in an interview the District Health Officer (DHO) Dr. Emmanuel Otto, said the disease has affected children between 5 and 11 years.  He however said most of the cases are reported in two sub counties including Parabongo and Paimol .

Otto said the patients are admitted at Dr Ambrosoli memorial hospital a private not for profit hospital. He however said most of the patients have been discharged and only 26 patients are still on the ward.

German Measles, is caused by a virus. It is spread to other people by contact with the nose or throat secretions of an infected person. A person with rubella may be contagious for 7 days before to 7 days after the rash develops. Babies who are born with rubella may spread the virus for up to 1 year after birth.

The symptoms of the disease may include low fever, rash, joint aches and swollen glands, especially behind the ears and the back of the neck.

Otto further added that the first case of German measles was recorded on 27th April following laboratory confirmation tests from Uganda Research Virus Institute (UVRI) in Entebbe.

Busoga region has also continuously registered poor immunization coverage rates.

Recently the state minister for general duties Sarah Opendi said measles outbreak was confirmed in almost all districts in Busoga region, pointing to a decline in routine immunization coverage in this region.

Globally vaccines have not only reduced the burden of infectious diseases but have also eradicated some killer diseases. Vaccinations have continued to protect nations against measles, meningitis, tuberculosis, tetanus.

The Ministry of Health through Uganda National Expanded Program on Immunization (UNEPI) has strengthened the immunization system through various initiatives including New Vaccine Introduction, supplementary immunization activities, strengthening vaccine supply chain

The demographic and health survey (UDHS) of 2011 showed that about 3.8% of children are not being reached with even one dose of any vaccine, more than 90% are being reached with at least one dose and about 51.5% of all children receive all basic vaccines.

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