There is a confirmed measles outbreak in Bulambuli and Sironko districts. This was revealed by Martin Naimu, the Acting Bulambuli District Health Officer (DHO), in an interview with our reporter on Wednesday.
According to Naimu, five confirmed cases have been recorded in Buyaga Town Council, Buwanyanga Sub-county in Bulambuli District, while one case has been confirmed in Bukise Sub-county in Sironko District.
He explained that health authorities received ten suspected measles cases and submitted samples to the Uganda Virus Research Institute in Entebbe for testing. Results confirmed six positive cases, while four samples tested negative. The Acting DHO said the patients are currently receiving treatment at Muyembe Health Centre IV and at several private health facilities in Buyaga Town Council.
Naimu added that additional suspected cases have been identified in Lusha Sub-county, Bulambuli Town Council, and other areas, with investigations ongoing. The Resident District Commissioner of Bulambuli, Gorge Magunda, has urged the public to follow all preventive guidelines issued by health officials to curb further spread of the disease.
Measles is a highly contagious viral illness transmitted through direct contact with respiratory droplets from an infected person, such as coughing or sneezing, through contact with contaminated surfaces, and, in some cases, through airborne transmission. Common symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes (conjunctivitis), a red blotchy rash that usually begins on the face and spreads to the neck and chest, white spots inside the mouth known as Koplik spots, loss of appetite, and fatigue.
Health officials are urging parents and caregivers to ensure children are fully immunised and to seek medical attention promptly if symptoms are observed.
