Pathfinder
Editor, Senior Moderator
WEEKLY BULLETIN ON OUTBREAKS
AND OTHER EMERGENCIES
Week 7: 12- 18 February 2024
Data as reported by: 17:00; 18 February 2024
...
Uganda
Measles
138 Cases
2 Deaths
1.5% CFR
EVENT DESCRIPTION
Kyenjojo District in Kitega sub county in the Western
region of Uganda reported a measles outbreak at the
beginning of 2024, adding to the ongoing measles
outbreak in Uganda which has affected two regions as of
Epidemiological week 5 (week ending 4 February 2024),
namely Kyenjojo and Kasese in the Western region and
Arua and Obongi in the Northern regions.
The outbreak in Kyenjojo, confirmed on 19 January 2024,
has so far recorded the highest number of cases and
deaths, including the index case, five more suspected
cases tested positive with a positivity rate of 100% within
seven days of detection.
As of 4 February 2024, a cumulative 139 (47.9%)
suspected cases had been reported with two suspected
deaths (CFR 2.5%), which was linked to the ongoing
outbreak. Arua city follows closely with almost the same
number of cases as Kyenjojo, 138 (47.6%) and one
death since it’s detection on the 23 December 2023.
Outbreaks in Kasese and Obongi, recently confirmed
on 19 January and 31 January 2024 respectively, have
recorded less than 10 cases each with no deaths.
The epidemiological summary reveals a concerning
situation in Kyenjojo district, emphasizing the urgent need
for effective public health interventions and community
engagement to control the spread of measles.
A very Low vaccination coverage, for the second dose
of measles vaccines throughout the district, with most
catchment areas recording zero coverages, could also
be a risk for outbreak spread. Insufficient funds for
community-based active case search and training gap
of health workers have also been a concern.
PUBLIC HEALTH ACTIONS
The Uganda Public Health Emergency Operations
Center has been activated to coordinate the
response activities towards the measles outbreak
with National Task force meetings convened
routinely. Collaboration with partners like BaylorUganda,
AFENET, WHO, and MOH for technical and
logistical support.
Multi-disciplinary rapid response teams have been
deployed to the affected areas to support the the
response activities.
Six samples were collected on 18January for testing
at the Uganda Virus Research Institute, with results
indicating all samples positive for measles.
Epidemiological investigation and active case finding
is ongoing, with 67 cases line-listed through active
search.
Risk Communication activities are ongoing with
intensification of health education talks and community
sensitization regarding measles.
Distribution of vaccines and initiation of targeted
measles-rubella vaccination in Kitega Subcounty is
underway.
SITUATION INTERPRETATION
The measles outbreak in Kyenjojo District emphasizes
the critical importance of sustained public health efforts,
particularly in the areas of vaccination and surveillance.
Even though the epidemic curve shows decrease of
cases from the peak period, there has been a recent
increase in cases from the 24 January 2024. The timely
identification of cases after the initial late detection of
earlier cases and the subsequent initiation of response
measures demonstrate progress in managing the
outbreak. Strengthening immunization services and
enhancing surveillance capabilities remain crucial for
effective outbreak control.
https://www.afro.who.int/countries/...rgencies-bulletin-week-07-12-18-february-2024
AND OTHER EMERGENCIES
Week 7: 12- 18 February 2024
Data as reported by: 17:00; 18 February 2024
...
Uganda
Measles
138 Cases
2 Deaths
1.5% CFR
EVENT DESCRIPTION
Kyenjojo District in Kitega sub county in the Western
region of Uganda reported a measles outbreak at the
beginning of 2024, adding to the ongoing measles
outbreak in Uganda which has affected two regions as of
Epidemiological week 5 (week ending 4 February 2024),
namely Kyenjojo and Kasese in the Western region and
Arua and Obongi in the Northern regions.
The outbreak in Kyenjojo, confirmed on 19 January 2024,
has so far recorded the highest number of cases and
deaths, including the index case, five more suspected
cases tested positive with a positivity rate of 100% within
seven days of detection.
As of 4 February 2024, a cumulative 139 (47.9%)
suspected cases had been reported with two suspected
deaths (CFR 2.5%), which was linked to the ongoing
outbreak. Arua city follows closely with almost the same
number of cases as Kyenjojo, 138 (47.6%) and one
death since it’s detection on the 23 December 2023.
Outbreaks in Kasese and Obongi, recently confirmed
on 19 January and 31 January 2024 respectively, have
recorded less than 10 cases each with no deaths.
The epidemiological summary reveals a concerning
situation in Kyenjojo district, emphasizing the urgent need
for effective public health interventions and community
engagement to control the spread of measles.
A very Low vaccination coverage, for the second dose
of measles vaccines throughout the district, with most
catchment areas recording zero coverages, could also
be a risk for outbreak spread. Insufficient funds for
community-based active case search and training gap
of health workers have also been a concern.
PUBLIC HEALTH ACTIONS
The Uganda Public Health Emergency Operations
Center has been activated to coordinate the
response activities towards the measles outbreak
with National Task force meetings convened
routinely. Collaboration with partners like BaylorUganda,
AFENET, WHO, and MOH for technical and
logistical support.
Multi-disciplinary rapid response teams have been
deployed to the affected areas to support the the
response activities.
Six samples were collected on 18January for testing
at the Uganda Virus Research Institute, with results
indicating all samples positive for measles.
Epidemiological investigation and active case finding
is ongoing, with 67 cases line-listed through active
search.
Risk Communication activities are ongoing with
intensification of health education talks and community
sensitization regarding measles.
Distribution of vaccines and initiation of targeted
measles-rubella vaccination in Kitega Subcounty is
underway.
SITUATION INTERPRETATION
The measles outbreak in Kyenjojo District emphasizes
the critical importance of sustained public health efforts,
particularly in the areas of vaccination and surveillance.
Even though the epidemic curve shows decrease of
cases from the peak period, there has been a recent
increase in cases from the 24 January 2024. The timely
identification of cases after the initial late detection of
earlier cases and the subsequent initiation of response
measures demonstrate progress in managing the
outbreak. Strengthening immunization services and
enhancing surveillance capabilities remain crucial for
effective outbreak control.
https://www.afro.who.int/countries/...rgencies-bulletin-week-07-12-18-february-2024
