An outbreak of measles has been confirmed in Nakapiripirit, Amudat, and Nabilatuk districts, affecting mainly children aged between 6 months and 10 years. The airborne disease spreads through contact with infected individuals or respiratory droplets.
In Nabilatuk, 111 cumulative cases have been recorded since August 2024, with most patients recovering, but at least two deaths reported. Amudat District has confirmed 10 positive cases, while Nakapiripirit has reported 15 cases showing clinical symptoms.
District health officials are collaborating with the Ministry of Health to contain the situation. Dr. Peter Lokwang, the Nabilatuk District Health Officer, noted that the outbreak began in August and escalated through September, October, and November. A district task force has been established to manage cases, with efforts focusing on isolating patients, daily surveillance, and vaccination campaigns.
“All children between six months and five years have been vaccinated against measles, and active case searches are ongoing,” Lokwang said. Currently, four cases have been reported in Namalu sub-county, Nakapiripirit District.
Dr. Patrick Sagaki, the Amudat District Health Officer, confirmed that all 10 samples tested by the Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI) were positive. “We are preparing for an intensified response as all samples turned positive,” he stated.
In Nakapiripirit, Dr. John Anguzu noted that 15 cases have been recorded, with 13 patients already showing improvement. Delays in reporting from the community hampered early containment. “Even immunized individuals were among the confirmed cases, which underscores the need for enhanced surveillance and sensitization,” Anguzu said.
Since the start of 2024, sporadic measles outbreaks have been reported in multiple Ugandan districts, including a severe outbreak in Moroto, which recorded over 200 cases and six deaths by mid-July, according to the World Health Organization.
Efforts are ongoing to intensify routine immunization campaigns, manage active cases, and raise community awareness about the importance of reporting symptoms promptly to health facilities.