Nakapiripirit, Amudat, and Nabilatuk Face Rising Cases

A measles outbreak has been confirmed in the South Karamoja districts of Nakapiripirit, Amudat, and Nabilatuk, affecting children aged 6 months to 10 years. The airborne disease, spread through contact with infected individuals or via the air, has health officials putting in efforts to contain its spread.

Nabilatuk District has so far reported 111 cases since August 2024, with two fatalities. Most patients have been discharged, but four active cases are currently being monitored in Namalu sub-county, Nakapiripirit. Amudat District has confirmed 10 cases, while Nakapiripirit has recorded 15, with 13 patients showing significant improvement.

Dr. Peter Lokwang, Nabilatuk District Health Officer, explained that the first case was identified in August, with a sharp increase in September, October, and November. Tragically, two children lost their lives between October and November.

Health Authorities Take Action

In response to the outbreak, district officials have formed task forces and introduced strict protocols to contain cases. These include isolating the sick, daily surveillance reporting, and mass immunization campaigns. Daily surveillance reporting and immunization campaigns have also been ongoing.

“All children aged six months to five years in Nabilatuk have been vaccinated against measles,” Dr. Lokwang said. Health teams have embarked on active case search for new cases to ensure timely intervention.

The same Test Results Turn Up Positive for Amudat’s Samples

The confirmation of test results at UVRI was further emphasized by Amudat’s District Health Officer, Dr Patrick Sagaki who admitted that all 10 patients turned up positive after being sampled in this institute. “The cases were detected at Amudat Hospital, but we are extending investigations to other health facilities, ” he further emphasized.

Dr. John Anguzu, the Nakapiripirit District Health Officer, said there was delayed information flow from the community about the outbreak. Despite this, 13 of the 15 reported cases have recovered. Anguzu added that some of the infected children were fully immunized, a factor that has raised concern about the disease’s behavior.

“We have intensified routine immunization campaigns and are managing the affected children at health facilities,” Dr. Anguzu said. Community sensitization campaigns are also underway to encourage prompt reporting of suspected cases.  

Measles Outbreaks Across Uganda

This is not the first outbreak of measles that Uganda has faced this year. There have been sporadic cases reported in several districts, with Moroto facing the most severe incident. As of July 2024, there were over 200 cases and six deaths reported there, according to the World Health Organization.

Challenges and the Way Forward

Poor communication between communities and health authorities, as well as gaps in immunization coverage, remain a challenge in the control of measles outbreaks in the region. Despite these challenges, health officials remain committed to ensuring the protection of children’s health.

The Ministry of Health has continued to support the affected districts with vaccines and strengthening surveillance systems for early detection and management of cases.

What You Can Do?

To help prevent the spread of measles, the following must be ensured: that children are vaccinated on time according to the recommended schedule; suspected cases are reported to the nearest health facility immediately; and proper hygiene is observed to prevent the spread of airborne diseases.

As the outbreak continues to strike South Karamoja districts, collaboration between the community, health workers, and authorities is key in the protection of children and preventing further loss.

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Stay informed, prioritize vaccination, and keep your family safe. Together we can defeat measles and safeguard the future of our children.