Measles – Causes, Symptoms, Prevention and Treatment

There was a measles outbreak in Kyegegwa district in December. As of 4th December 2023, Kyegegwa district confirmed that there were 4 confirmed cases, 64 probable cases (40 refugees, 24 nationals) but no deaths were reported.

Measles cases had been reported in both the refugee settlement and host communities, with the majority, 37 (59.68%), being refugees. Four (4) sub-counties in Kyegegwa district had reported measles cases. Those were Nkanja, Kyegegwa sub-county, Mpara and Kakabara county, and Kakabara sub-county.

Globally, measles is the leading cause of death among vaccine preventable childhood diseases. Although measles can be prevented through immunization, it is one of the leading causes of death among children under five in Uganda. 

This article will help you understand Measles; its signs, symptoms, prevention and where to get treatment during an outbreak.

What is Measles?

Measles is an airborne disease that spreads when an infected person coughs or sneezes or by direct contact with nasal or throat secretions of an infected person. Measles is caused by a virus.

Signs and symptoms of Measles

Symptoms of measles usually begin 10–14 days after exposure to the virus. 

Early symptoms usually last 4–7 days. These include:

• A general body rash that starts on the face and neck and then spreads to the rest of the body.
• running nose
• cough
• red and watery eyes
• small white spots inside the cheeks.

If Measles is ignored, it can lead to pneumonia, diarrhea, blindness, brain damage and even death.

Who is most affected by measles?

Measles affects people of all ages, but it is more frequent and severe in children under five years of age who are not immunized.

The population at the risk of measles infection includes;

1. Unimmunized children
2. Pregnant women previously not immunized with the measles vaccine. 
3. Immune suppressed individuals for example individuals with HIV. 
4. Communities living in overcrowded settlements. 
5. Communities that cannot access immunization services.

Prevention of measles 

Measles is a highly contagious disease. It spreads when an infected person sneezes or coughs. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends the following strategies for achieving and maintaining measles elimination.

Immunization 

The most effective way to prevent measles is community-wide vaccination/immunization is the most effective way to prevent measles. All children should be vaccinated against measles. The vaccine is safe, effective and free within the settlement.

Children should receive two doses of the vaccine to ensure they are immune. In Uganda, the first dose is usually given at 9 months of age.  A second dose is given at 18 months of age. 

If a child misses out on receiving the measles vaccine, they can still receive it up to 5 years.

Adults cannot receive the measles vaccine.

Supplemental Immunization Activities (SIAs) during which children aged six months to five years receive a dose of the measles vaccine by injection irrespective of their previous immunization status.

Controlling the spread of measles

The Measles virus can stay on surfaces for two hours. This means that to prevent the spread of measles, all surfaces and articles used by someone suffering from measles should be washed in a strong detergent to prevent spread.

Proper hand washing and covering the mouth and nose while sneezing and coughing can prevent several cases of measles.

Treatment

There is no specific treatment for measles. Caregiving should focus on relieving symptoms, making the person comfortable and preventing complications. Treatment may include: 

1. Receive two doses of Vitamin A supplements, given 24 hours apart. This restores low vitamin A levels that occur even in well-nourished children. It can help prevent eye damage and blindness. Vitamin A supplements may also reduce the number of measles deaths.

2. Doctors may use antibiotics to treat pneumonia and ear and eye infections.

3. Drink enough water and treatments for dehydration to replace fluids lost to vomiting and diarrhea.
4. Eat a healthy diet.  

In the case of pneumonia or ear infections, doctors may use antibiotics to treat the patient.

Where to get medical help

If you suspect that you or any member of the community has measles or to immunize children in your care, visit your nearest health center for medical help.  

In Kyaka II Settlement

Refugees in Kyaka II settlement can access free health services from Medical Teams International (MTI). MTI health services can be accessed at the following health centers;

• Bujubili Health Center IV 
• Bukere Outpost
• Kakoni Outpost
• Kaborogota Health Center
• Bwiriza Health center III
• Mukondo health center II
• Byabakora Outpost
• Sweswe Health Center II

In Kampala

For urban refugees based in Kampala, health services can be accessed from the following places;

Mulago National Referral Hospital

Mulago Hill, P.O BOX 7051, Kampala Uganda. 

Email: [e-mail].   

Call: [phone]

Africa Humanitarian Action, 

Plot 4285 Block 244 Kansanga Opposite Bank of Baroda, 

P.O BOX 7730, Kampala Uganda

Kiruddu National Referral Hospital 

Salama Road, Kampala, Makindye division, 

Kampala Capital City Authority Health Centre IV 

Kisenyi, Mengo Division, Kampala

STAY SAFE! PROTECT YOUR LOVED ONES! 

All children should be immunized against measles at nine months of age during routine immunization. 

The measles vaccine is safe effective and free. It is approved by the Ministry of Health, World Health Organization and UNICEF.

If you have any questions about this article, please contact Tubulire  on Facebook via  https://www.facebook.com/Tubulire.Info or send us a message on WhatsApp or sms through [phone]  from Monday to Friday from 08:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.