Hoima district is grappling with an outbreak of measles, with confirmed cases emerging in four villages across Kiganja and Buseruka sub-counties, situated along the shores of Lake Albert.
As of Tuesday evening, health officials had reported 207 cases of measles, predominantly affecting children aged one to five years.
Dr. Fredrick Byenume, Acting District Health Officer, disclosed in an interview with Uganda Radio Network-URN on Wednesday morning that samples collected from patients had tested positive for measles at the Uganda Virus Research Institute – UVRI.
“We are intensifying immunization campaigns and community sensitization to contain the virus’s further spread,” Dr. Byenume emphasized. He underscored the administration of Vitamin A supplements to affected individuals and urged residents to avoid overcrowding, particularly in areas reporting cases.
Notably, a similar measles outbreak occurred in Hoima district in 2011, resulting in the deaths of five children under the age of ten. The outbreak was localized in Nzorobi village and Kaiso landing site in Tonya and Kabaale parishes in Buseruka Sub County. Subsequently, another outbreak was confirmed in January 2013.
Measles manifests with symptoms such as fever, dry cough, runny nose, sore throat, inflamed eyes, and characteristic skin rash. Health experts note that these signs typically manifest around 10 to 14 days post-exposure to the virus.
Efforts to contain the outbreak are underway, with health authorities urging prompt vaccination, vigilant monitoring, and adherence to preventive measures to curb further transmission within the affected communities.