An outbreak of measles has been declared in Ayod County of Jonglei State, with more than 34 cases, including four deaths since last month, health authorities said.
Speaking to Radio Tamazuj on Monday, Maker Mathot Nyuon, the county health director, said they declared the outbreak on 26 July after samples sent to National Public Health Laboratory in Juba recently tested positive for the highly contagious viral disease.
“Cases of measles are on the rise in Ayod County. So far, there are 26 active cases and eight deaths in Pajiek, Pagoang, Kwashdeng, and Ayod areas,” he said. “On 18 July, we sent five samples to Juba and we received the results later on, confirming measles outbreak, with Keer and Gul as the worst hit areas.”
The health official said they were alarmed by the outbreak and that partners were being engaged to intervene.
Meanwhile, James Chuol Jiek, the Ayod County commissioner, appealed for aid.
“Health situation is dire in Ayod County. Measles cases are on the rise without any vaccination. So we appeal for intervention,” he said.
On his part, Kwach Stephen, the county Relief and Rehabilitation Commission (RRC) coordinator, said the situation is dire.
“When a measles campaign was carried out last time, several children missed out on the drive because they were in cattle camps and fishing areas. Now, there are cases in Panyang, Jiec, Tuok, and Gar. So we need another campaign because measles is highly contagious,” he said.
Measles is a highly contagious viral disease, marked by fever, cough, and red spots on the skin and is spread by coughing and contact with fluids from the mouth and nose of the infected.
It remains a cause of death among young children globally, despite the availability of a safe and effective vaccine, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO).