A measles outbreak has been confirmed in the districts of Kampala and Wakiso, according to the Ministry of health.
A statement released by the ministry this morning, indicates that surveillance and case finding reports show a total of 67 cases have so far been identified, and of these, seven have been confirmed by laboratory tests within the month of July.
The statement released by Prof. Anthony Mbonye, the Ag. Director Health Services further indicates that the most affected age group are children under 1 year. All the five divisions of Kampala, as well as several surburbs in Wakiso District are affected.
Measles is an airborne disease that affects mainly children aged between six months and 10 years of age although it can also affect adults. It is spread through air and contacts with an infected person.
Some early symptoms of measles include high fever, whooping cough and red swelling eyelids, muscle and body aches, irritability, running nose, watery eyes, and rashes. Approximately 20% of people with measles develop one or more complications associated with the disease.
These early symptoms of measles usually last three to four days, although they can last as little as one day or as long as eight days, before the Measles rash manifests.
One to two days before the rash appears, small red lesions with blue-white centers appear on the inside of the mouth and tongue and occasionally on the whites of the eyes or inside the intestines.
Measles is a dangerous disease which can cause death. It can be prevented by immunization and vaccination of children. Complications of the diseases can be treated by qualified health personnel.
The ministry of health, according to Dr. Mboye, is undertaking a number of measures to control the spread of the disease. Mbonye adds that the measures include investigating the extent of spread of Measles within the districts of Kampala and Wakiso, condicting sensitization programs to educate the public about the signs, symptoms and dangers of the diseases, among others.
The public has been cautioned avoid direct contact with children infected or suspected to be infected with the disease, report and immediately take any suspected children to nearby health facilities, and take unvaccinated children under 5 years of age for immunization to nearest health facilities.
The ministry also urged the public to stay calm as all possible measures are being undertaken to control the spread of the disease.
