By Johnson Kanyesige
Hoima district has initiated a mass measles vaccination campaign in response to a confirmed outbreak of the disease in several villages along the shores of Lake Albert. The outbreak was detected in four villages within Kiganja and Buseruka sub-counties after samples taken from affected individuals tested positive for measles at the Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI).
As of now, 302 people have been affected by the outbreak, with children between the ages of one and five years being the most affected demographic group. In response, health authorities, led by Dr. Fredrick Byenume, the Acting District Health Officer, have launched a mass vaccination campaign targeting children aged one to fifteen years.
Byenume has urged local leaders and stakeholders to mobilize parents to ensure their children receive the vaccination, emphasizing the importance of preventing further spread of the disease. Additionally, residents have been cautioned to avoid overcrowding in areas where the virus has been reported to mitigate the risk of transmission.
The Deputy Resident District Commissioner, Micheal Kyakashari, has warned religious groups against preventing their children from receiving the vaccination, stating that stern action will be taken against such actions. Furthermore, individuals crossing into the country from the Democratic Republic of Congo through Lake Albert waters will also undergo vaccination as a preventive measure.
The history of measles outbreaks in Hoima district underscores the seriousness of the situation, with previous outbreaks resulting in fatalities among children under the age of 10. Measles typically presents with symptoms such as fever, cough, runny nose, sore throat, inflamed eyes, and a characteristic skin rash. Health experts advise that symptoms usually appear 10 to 14 days after exposure to the virus.
