The Hoima district health department has bolstered its response to a measles outbreak by acquiring an additional 10,000 doses of measles vaccines from the National Medical Stores (NMS), following reports of a confirmed outbreak two weeks ago.
The outbreak initially surfaced in four villages within Kiganja and Buseruka sub-counties, predominantly affecting children aged between one and five years.
In response, the district launched a mass vaccination campaign along the shores of Lake Albert. However, a surge in demand led to a shortage of vaccines, prompting an emergency order to the NMS.
“We received more 10,000 doses of measles vaccines from the National Medical Stores-NMS. The vaccines arrived in the district on Friday,”said Fredrick Byenume, Hoima District Health Inspector.
The additional doses supplement the 6,000 vaccines previously delivered during the onset of the outbreak, totaling 16,000 doses now available in the district. Byenume emphasized the importance of vaccinating children aged between one and fifteen years, urging local leaders and stakeholders to mobilize parents for vaccination.
Byenume further cautioned residents against overcrowding in affected areas to minimize the risk of disease transmission. Since the outbreak was reported, 394 cases have been recorded, prompting vaccination efforts that have reached approximately 3,730 individuals, primarily children aged between one and 15 years.
Measles typically manifests with symptoms including fever, cough, runny nose, sore throat, inflamed eyes, and a characteristic skin rash. Health experts recommend vaccination as a preventive measure, as symptoms typically manifest within 10 to 14 days after exposure to the virus.