Kyegegwa District schools have intensified measures to prevent the spread of measles following a confirmed outbreak in the district.
District health officials reported the outbreak on March 20, after the Uganda Virus Research Institute confirmed positive measles samples collected from children in Kiruhura Village, Ruhangiire Parish, Rwentuha Sub-county.
In response, schools have implemented Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), including frequent handwashing, early identification of symptoms among learners, and closer coordination with nearby health facilities.
At Ruhangiire Primary School, Head Teacher Richard Turinawe told URN that learners are encouraged to wash their hands regularly, while teachers monitor pupils for suspected measles cases.
“Whenever a learner shows suspected symptoms, the child is immediately referred to a health center for testing and medical attention,” Turinawe explained. He noted, however, that limited community sensitization remains a challenge, with some residents unaware of measles or attributing it to witchcraft.
At Buhembe Hillside Primary School, Head Teacher Olivia Owembabazi said the school has installed handwashing facilities and appealed to the district health department to provide posters in local languages to educate learners and the surrounding community.
Tito Ssanyu Kahwa, Deputy Head Teacher at Kazinga Primary School, said the school has not registered any measles cases but has taken precautionary measures by installing handwashing stations and educating learners on the signs and symptoms of the disease.
“We also call on district health officials to organize more sensitization meetings in schools and communities to improve awareness on prevention and treatment,” he added. However, a URN reporter observed that some schools with handwashing stations had water but no soap.
Dr. Richard Mulumba, Kyegegwa District Health Officer, urged parents to take children below five years for immunization during the ongoing mass vaccination exercise, targeting both previously vaccinated children and those who have never received the measles vaccine.
The campaign focuses on the most affected areas, including Rwentuha Subcounty, Hapuyo, Nkwakwa, Kazinga, Kakabara, Ruyonza, Kasule, and Kyegegwa Town Councils.Ronald Mugabi, District Health Educator, reported that by April 1, the district had recorded 35 cumulative cases, with four patients admitted at Kyegegwa District General Hospital.
One patient has been discharged, three remain admitted, and one suspected death is under investigation. Mugabi urged schools, particularly those with boarding sections, to closely monitor learners and promptly report cases involving fever and skin rash to nearby health facilities.
Measles is a highly contagious viral disease transmitted through droplets released when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. Schools are particularly vulnerable due to close contact among learners. Common symptoms include high fever, skin rash, red or watery eyes, cough, runny nose, and general body weakness. URN