MEASLES BREAK OUT IN MASINDI DISTRICT

By Yosam Gucwaki
In masindi—–
The Masindi District Health Officer (DHO) has confirmed the outbreak of measles epidemic in the district.
Addressing the press at his office last evening, Dr John Turyagaruka said the disease broke out about three weeks ago. He added that blood samples taken to the Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRS), Entebbe tested positive.
Measles was last recorded in the district six years ago.
The new cases of measles have been registered in Nyangahya and Central Divisions, Kijunjubwa in Kimengo Sub-county, Bwijanga and Pakanyi sub- counties.
The physician said the disease which presents itself with fever, vomiting, red eyes and skin rush can be fatal since it has no known cure. However, he said it is immunizable.
The DHO suspects that the disease resurgence could have been a result of parents’ relaxation from taking their children for immunisation since they had taken a long time without experiencing it. However, he advised them to continue taking their children for immunisation against the disease.
Turyagaruka said he had since informed the ministry of health for a possible mass immunisation exercise in the district.

Source: www.mknewslink.com a greater western Uganda news website
Email: wmuhwezi75@gmail.com
Tel: +256702680106