Local authorities in Pigi County in Jonglei State have raised an alarm about a suspected measles disease outbreak that has claimed the lives of four children and led to the hospitalization of 20 others since the beginning of the month.

Speaking to Radio Tamazuj on Thursday, Peter Lat Machar, the county health director, said the situation continues to worsen as there are no vaccines to rescue those at risk.  

“Since last week, there has been a rise in measles cases especially in areas like Atar, Wunlith, and Mareng,” he said. “Cases of measles have risen to more than 20 with four mortalities while nine are in critical condition.”

The county health director warned that the situation will deteriorate even further if there is no intervention because measles is highly contagious. He appealed for an assessment and the expeditious vaccination of those at risk.

On his part, John Wal Ding, the county executive director, also decried the dire situation and demanded that the health ministry and its partners intervene to rescue the situation.