Measles Outbreak Confirmed In Kumi, 26 Cases Registered.
Health authorities in Kumi District have confirmed a measles outbreak in Kumi Municipality and the neighboring sub-counties of Ongino and Nyero, prompting urgent public health interventions and a planned immunization campaign targeting children under five years.
The announcement was made by Dr. Emmanuel Ongola, the Kumi District Health Officer (DHO), during a press briefing on Monday.
He revealed that the district has so far recorded 26 confirmed cases of measles and is working swiftly to contain further spread.
“We have so far registered 26 confirmed cases of measles. The outbreak is centered in Kumi Municipality, Ongino, and Nyero,” Dr. Ongola said.
“We are preparing to start immunization of children below five years in these areas as part of a targeted response.”
According to Dr. Ongola, health teams have begun surveillance and contact tracing in the affected communities.
He emphasized the need for early detection and reporting of symptoms such as high fever, cough, red eyes, and skin rash among children.
He also called on parents and caregivers to be vigilant and report any suspected symptoms to the nearest health facility without delay.
“Prompt treatment and isolation are key to stopping further transmission,” he warned.
The confirmation of the outbreak follows diagnostic testing conducted at Kumi Health Centre IV.
According to Mr. Kamiri Adae, the District Health Educator, the alarm was raised when six out of ten children who were tested turned out positive for measles.
“This prompted us to officially declare a measles outbreak in the district,” Adae explained.
“We are now calling on all residents of Kumi and the greater Teso region to report any signs or symptoms of measles, or any other suspicious illness, to health workers as soon as possible.”
Health authorities have also advised residents to avoid unnecessary gatherings and ensure their children are immunized against measles and other childhood diseases.
The District Health Office, with support from the Ministry of Health and development partners, is mobilizing resources to conduct an emergency measles immunization campaign, specifically targeting children under the age of five in the affected sub-counties.
Dr. Ongola confirmed that the health department is working with village health teams (VHTs), local leaders, and schools to ensure that the message on immunization and preventive hygiene reaches every household.