A measles outbreak that has so far claimed five lives has been confirmed in Kagadi district in mid-western Uganda.
The outbreak has been reported in the sub-counties of Kyakabadima, Kyaterekera and Ndaiga, with children aged between one and five years the most affected. Kagadi district health educator Aisha Justine Tumwebaze said the disease was first detected in February 2026 and has since spread within the affected communities.
Laboratory samples collected from suspected cases were tested at the Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI) and confirmed positive for measles. Tumwebaze said the district has intensified immunisation and community sensitisation campaigns to curb further spread of the virus.
She added that affected children are being given Vitamin A supplements as part of treatment. She also urged residents to avoid overcrowding, particularly in the affected areas, and to ensure children are vaccinated.
Health officials said they are closely monitoring the situation as response measures are scaled up across the district. This is not the first measles outbreak in Kagadi. In 2019 and 2020, six children under the age of five died from the disease, with the most affected sub-counties including Ndaiga, Bwikara, Muhorro, Rugashali, Burora and Mabaale.
Measles is a highly contagious viral disease that commonly presents with fever, dry cough, runny nose, sore throat and inflamed eyes. Patients may also develop tiny white spots inside the mouth and a skin rash that spreads across the body. Symptoms typically appear 10 to 14 days after exposure to the virus.
