Measles cases registered in Kampala, Wakiso

Ministry of Health has announced an outbreak of Measles in the districts of Kampala and Wakiso.

According to surveillance and case finding reports, 67 cases have so far been registered and of these, seven cases were confirmed by the laboratories with in the month of July.

"The most affected groups are under the age of one year. All the five divisions within Kampala as well as suburbs in Wakiso District are affected," reads the statement released by the ministry on August 8.

The statement signed by Anthony Mbonye, the acting Director General of Health Services, highlights a number of Government interventions in curbing down the disease. They include investigating the extent of the spread of the disease, sensitization of the public about signs, symptoms and dangers of the disease.

Also on interventions by the government, there have been immunization programmes of children and management of all suspected cases.

Appeal         

The ministry advised the public to prevent direct contact with children infected or suspected to be infected by the disease, report immediately any suspected child to nearest health facility as well as vaccinating all the unimmunized children under age of five.

Measles is an airborne disease that affects mainly children aged between six years and 10 months and sometimes affects adults. It spreads through air and contact with an infected person.

The signs of measles are fever, dry cough, sore throat and inflamed eyes.​