Measles vaccination planned in Nyaruguru

NYARUGURU - Following an outbreak of measles in some parts of Nyaruguru District, TRAC Plus – the Centre for treatment and research on AIDS, Malaria, Tuberculosis and other Epidemics, has announced plans to vaccinate children against the disease later this month. Dr. Corinne Karema, the acting Director General of TRAC Plus, in an interview with The New Times, said that tests conducted at the National laboratory confirmed six cases of measles in Ruheru Sector, in Nyaruguru. Last week a combined team of investigators from the centre and the Ministry of Health was dispatched to the district, following a suspected outbreak of the disease that is highly contagious. “Since October 15, we have recorded 14 cases; ten have been treated while only four remain admitted at Ruheru Health Centre,” said Dr Karema. All suspected cases have been isolated while community health mobilizers are on high alert to report any other suspected cases in the district. Dr. Karema revealed that the vaccination coverage in Nyaruguru stands at 97 percent, adding that the 3 percent that was not vaccinated are a cause of concern. “One child can infect about 800 children, the reason why we call for the involvement of the community in ensuring that all children are vaccinated,” she said.According Dr Karema, the source of the virus is still unknown. “We have sent two samples to Uganda at the regional laboratory in Entebbe for confirmation tests, it is these tests that will determine the source of the virus,” Dr Karema said. Sania Uwiragiye, the head of Ruheru Health Centre, commended community health mobilisers who she said played a key role in helping to contain the spread of the disease. “Community health mobilisers have been actively involved in sensitisation programmes and timely reporting of suspected cases for investigation. We will continue this campaign until the disease is rooted out of the Sector,” said Uwiragiye. Ends