KATAKWI, Uganda — Three children have died from complications related to measles at Katakwi General Hospital as health authorities battle a fresh outbreak of the highly contagious disease in Katakwi District.
The children reportedly died after being admitted and isolated in the hospital’s dedicated measles treatment ward. Health officials have yet to release details about the children’s ages, vaccination status, or the total number of suspected and confirmed cases linked to the outbreak.
The latest deaths come amid continued concerns over recurring measles outbreaks across Uganda, largely attributed to gaps in childhood immunization. According to recent public health data, at least 67 districts reported confirmed measles outbreaks in 2025, with national coverage for the second dose of the Measles Rubella (MR) vaccine estimated at only 61 to 64 percent, well below the approximately 95 percent coverage required to achieve herd immunity.
Regional concern
Katakwi District is part of the Teso sub region, where neighbouring Kumi District experienced a significant measles outbreak between May and July 2025. Investigations by public health authorities identified 177 suspected cases, six of which were laboratory confirmed, and recorded two deaths.
Children aged between six and eight months and those aged nine to 59 months were the most affected.
Health experts found that low uptake of the second MR vaccine dose was one of the major contributors to the outbreak. Although many children had received the first vaccine dose, second dose coverage remained critically low, leaving many vulnerable to infection.
Investigators also found that transmission was worsened by inadequate infection prevention measures in some health facilities, where suspected measles patients mixed with other patients, as well as increased community interactions and movement between neighbouring districts, including areas surrounding Katakwi.
Measles remains a serious public health threat
Measles is a highly contagious viral disease spread through respiratory droplets and close contact with infected individuals. Early symptoms include high fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and a widespread skin rash.
The disease can lead to severe complications, including pneumonia, diarrhoea, brain inflammation, permanent disability, and death, particularly among unvaccinated children, malnourished children, and those with weakened immune systems.
Health experts stress that measles is entirely preventable through vaccination. Uganda’s routine immunization schedule recommends the first MR vaccine dose at nine months of age, followed by a second dose later in infancy or early childhood to provide stronger and longer lasting protection.
Health response underway
Katakwi General Hospital has isolated suspected measles patients in a dedicated ward as part of infection prevention and control measures.
District health officials, working with the Ministry of Health and the Uganda National Expanded Programme on Immunization, are expected to intensify surveillance, investigate suspected cases, trace contacts, conduct laboratory testing through the Uganda Virus Research Institute, and implement targeted vaccination campaigns where necessary.
Authorities have not yet officially declared the scale of the current outbreak or announced whether emergency vaccination exercises will be conducted in the district.
Parents urged to vaccinate children
Health officials are encouraging parents and caregivers to ensure that children receive both recommended doses of the Measles Rubella vaccine and to seek immediate medical attention if a child develops fever accompanied by a rash or other symptoms associated with measles.
The deaths in Katakwi serve as a reminder of the importance of strengthening routine immunization programmes and closing vaccination gaps to prevent further loss of life. Public health authorities continue to monitor the outbreak closely as response efforts continue in Katakwi and surrounding districts.
