Staff Reporter
The Resident District Commissioner (RDC) for Kanungu District, Ambrose Amanyire Mwesigye, has urged local residents to follow standard operating procedures to combat the outbreak of the measles virus in the district. He made this call during a press conference held at the district headquarters in Kanungu Town Council.
The press conference also featured the Assistant District Health Officer, Kato Besisira, who provided an update on the measles situation. Kato reported that measles is spreading rapidly in the district. So far, one person has died from the disease, and 32 cases have been confirmed. The first victim died on June 23, 2024. Subsequently, four other individuals showing symptoms were tested at the Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI), where two were confirmed to have the disease. Following this, Kanungu was officially declared a measles-infected district by the Ministry of Health.
Kato explained that measles is an airborne disease affecting both children and adults. He advised parents to take children aged one and a half years for their first dose and those aged five years for their second dose at any nearby health center, as these centers are equipped to treat the disease.
According to Kato, 94% of children in the district have received the first dose of the measles vaccine, while only 30% have received the second dose. He described the symptoms of measles as flu, cough, and a rash. For adults, he recommended maintaining general cleanliness and a balanced diet rich in fruits to strengthen immunity against the virus. Additionally, people should wash their hands regularly and avoid overcrowded places to prevent the spread of measles.
Kato also noted that they are collaborating with Kabale Regional Hospital (KRH) to control the outbreak. The affected sub-counties include Kanyatorongo Town Council, Kanyatorongo Sub-County, Kihiihi Town Council, and Kanungu Town Council. He mentioned that the virus was initially brought to Kanungu from the Democratic Republic of Congo, passing through Kasese before reaching the district.
RDC Ambroze Amanyire Mwesigye stated that they have launched a campaign to fight the measles outbreak and have conducted community dialogues in nearby villages and sub-counties. He assured that the situation is under control and not a security threat. He also warned against relying on traditional remedies and urged those skeptical of vaccination to trust in the scientifically approved immunization efforts endorsed by the Ministry of Health and the World Health Organization.
