The Ministry of Health has issued a countrywide alert following a measles outbreak in 14 districts.
The affected districts are Kampala, Bududa, Bukedea, Bushenyi, Kabarole and Kaliro. The others are Luwero, Mbale, Moyo, Nakasongola, Namaingo, Namutumba, Ntungamo and Rakai.
Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng, the Director General of Health Services says that following the outbreak, the ministry has re-opened the measles Unit at Mulago Hospital and other hospitals countrywide.
She explains that the ministry is also embarking on a program to educate citizens on the signs, symptoms and dangers of the disease. Dr. Aceng has advised parents to immunize children who are between 9 months and 5-years of age. The ministry also urges people to avoid direct contact with children infected with the disease as well as report any suspected cases to the nearby health centers for treatment.
Measles is an airborne disease that affects mainly children aged between six months and ten years. In some case the disease also affects adults especially if they were not vaccinated while still young. It presents with high fever, skin rash, running nose, cough and red eyes. Statistics from the ministry of health show that one in five people develop complications like pneumonia and diarrhea.
Dr. Aceng warns that measles is a dangerous disease that can lead to death if untreated. She says that no deaths have been reported so far.
