The South Sudanese Ministry of Health on Sunday declared a measles outbreak following confirmation of cases in the country.

Speaking to reporters in Juba, the Director General for Preventive Health Services at the National Minister of Health, Dr. John Rumunu, said there have been 2,471 confirmed measles cases and 31 deaths reported over the last 38 weeks.  

 “Based on the number of laboratory-confirmed measles cases across the country, the National Ministry of Health hereby declares measles outbreak in South Sudan,” Rumunu said.

Dr. Rumunu pointed out that South Sudan has witnessed repeated outbreaks of measles since 2021, primarily due to the interrupted routine immunization services and inadequate implementation of supplementary immunization activities.

“The last national measles immunization campaign was conducted in 2020 with vaccination coverage of less than 85 percent which is below the 95 percent recommended target. This has led to an increasing number of unvaccinated children exposing them to the risk of getting measles infection and potentially increasing the development of outbreaks,” he said.

Dr. Rumunu revealed that the ministry will step up efforts to curb the spread of the disease through immunization and public health awareness.

“Public health measures include avoiding or minimising direct contact with children infected or suspected to be infected with measles, and reporting and immediately taking children suspected to have measles to the nearest health facility,” he said.

Measles is a highly contagious, serious disease caused by a virus.

The first sign of measles is usually a high fever, which begins about 10 to 12 days after exposure to the virus, and lasts 4 to 7 days. A runny nose, a cough, red and watery eyes, and small white spots inside the cheeks can develop in the initial stage. After several days, a rash erupts, usually on the face and upper neck. Over about three days, the rash spreads, eventually reaching the hands and feet. The rash lasts for 5 to 6 days and then fades. On average, the rash occurs 14 days after exposure to the virus (within a range of 7 to 18 days).

Unvaccinated young children are at the highest risk of measles and its complications, including death.