Measles Outbreak in Kagadi District Claims Five Children

Updated by Faith Barbara N Ruhinda at 1315 EAT on Wednesday 1 April 2026

A measles outbreak in Kagadi district, mid-western Uganda, has so far killed five children, authorities say.

The outbreak has been reported in Kyakabadima, Kyaterekera, and Ndaiga sub-counties, with children aged one to five 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 communities.

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 campaigns and community education efforts to contain the outbreak.

She added that affected children are being given Vitamin A supplements as part of their treatment. Residents have been urged to avoid overcrowding, particularly in the affected areas, and to ensure that all children are vaccinated.

Health officials said they are closely monitoring the situation as response measures are scaled up across the district. Kagadi has faced measles outbreaks before—in 2019 and 2020, six children under the age of five died, with Ndaiga, Bwikara, Muhorro, Rugashali, Burora, and Mabaale sub-counties among the hardest hit.

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease, often presenting 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.

-Observer

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