A measles outbreak in Uganda’s semi-arid northeastern districts of Nabilatuk and Amudat has claimed the lives of five children, according to the Ministry of Health.
In a situation update released on Thursday, the ministry reported that four children had died in Nabilatuk, while one death was recorded in Amudat. The ministry also noted that 11 patients were currently hospitalized, with five others receiving outpatient treatment. The outbreak in Amudat, which shares a border with Kenya, was officially confirmed on January 6.
Nabilatuk has recorded 147 cumulative cases, with a case fatality rate (CFR) of 2.7 percent, while Amudat has reported 47 cases and one death, the ministry stated. In response, officials in Amudat convened a District Task Force meeting on January 15 to mobilize resources for prevention and control efforts.
This recent outbreak comes on the heels of widespread measles cases reported last year, which affected 56 districts across Uganda. Measles, a highly contagious viral infection, spreads through respiratory droplets and can cause severe illness, particularly among children and those with weakened immune systems.
Symptoms of the disease, including high fever, cough, runny nose, and red watery eyes, typically appear 7–14 days after exposure, according to the World Health Organization. Health authorities continue to emphasize the critical role of vaccination in preventing such outbreaks and mitigating fatalities in vulnerable communities.