30 admitted with suspected measles

Kagadi. More than 30 cases of suspected measles have been reported in Bwikala Sub-county in Kagadi District, medical officials have said.
The epidemic has been reported in the villages of Mabaale A and B in Nyakarongo Parish, Bwikara.
The residents who had started seeking traditional treatment have appealed to government for medical help.
The affected cases including children and adults were admitted at Bwikara Health Centre III with others already getting treatment in local health clinics.
Kagadi District health officer, Dr James Olwo, could not confirm or deny the suspected measles outbreak in the district.
He said an investigation was being carried out to establish the exact cause of the ailments that had broken out in the area.
One of the victims identified as Mr Gereson Mugisha told Daily Monitor that he developed severe headache, fever and skin rash all over his body.
‘‘I started vomiting, feeling headache and my skin was spread with itching rash. I decided to get herbal medicine but no change was realised until my friend came and told me that I might be suffering from measles,’’ Mr Mugisha said.
The Bwikala Sub-county chairperson, Mr Godadi Tumwebaze, said he had received several reports from within his area about suspected measles outbreak.
‘‘We have already instructed the sub-county health team to go on ground to conduct a health survey. I urge Kagadi District health team to also intervene,” he said.
Measles is a highly contagious infectious disease caused by the measles virus. Symptoms usually develop between 10 to 12 days after exposure to an infected person and last between 7 to 10 days.
It presents with typical symptoms such as fever, cough, runny nose, and inflamed eyes. Measles is an airborne disease.

Measles