Ugandan health authorities have confirmed a measles outbreak in three refugee settlements accommodating people fleeing conflict in the neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
In its latest situation report, the Ministry of Health stated that nine cases of measles were confirmed in the past week—five from the Nakivale and Oruchinga refugee settlements in Isingiro District, and four from the Matanda transit centre in Kanungu District.
“Active case searches are ongoing at the community and facility level. Village health teams are continuing with door-to-door sensitizations and active case searches.
“Ongoing screening at the points of entry at the facilities by the triage teams for fever, rashes, dry cough and runny nose,” the ministry said.
To contain the spread, health officials have launched a vaccination campaign against measles and rubella. The campaign specifically targets refugee children aged between six months and 15 years who have recently arrived in the settlements.
On Sunday, 105 children at the Matanda transit centre were vaccinated as part of the emergency response.
Measles is a highly infectious viral illness that spreads easily through coughing and sneezing. It can result in serious complications, especially in young children and those with weakened immune systems. Common symptoms include a high fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes.
According to the World Health Organization, signs of measles typically begin to appear between seven and 14 days after exposure to the virus.