Uganda confirms measles outbreak in refugee settlements
Uganda confirmed measles outbreak in three settlements receiving refugees, fleeing fighting in neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
According to the Ministry of Health, in a situation update, nine cases of the viral disease have been confirmed in the previous week, five at Nakivale and Oruchinga refugee settlements in Isingiro district, and four at Matanda transit center 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.
Health authorities have launched a measles and rubella vaccination campaign targeting newly arrived refugee children aged 6 months to 15 years, the update said.
At least 105 children were vaccinated against measles and rubella at the Matanda transit center on Sunday.
Measles is a highly contagious and spreads through coughing and sneezing and can lead to severe complications. Symptoms include high fever, cough, running nose, and red, watery eyes.
According to the World Health Organization, the symptoms of measles appear about seven to 14 days after a person is infected.
Xinhua/Kamila
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