At least 11 children have died in a measles outbreak in Cueibet County of Lakes State, where health authorities have recorded 145 cases across four counties over the past three weeks, officials said.
The outbreak, which began in Cueibet County, has spread to several parts of the state, including Yirol East, Yirol West and Rumbek East counties. Health officials said Cueibet remains the hardest-hit area, accounting for 102 of the reported cases.
Measles is a highly contagious viral disease that causes fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes and a skin rash. While there is no specific cure, vaccination is the most effective way to prevent infection and severe complications.
Daniel Ruon, acting chief medical officer at Cueibet County Hospital, told Radio Tamazuj that 11 children had died from the disease since the outbreak began on June 10.
“The outbreak has affected several areas, including Langdit, Mayath Primary Health Care Unit, Duony, Malou-Pech and Cueibet town,” Ruon said.
He said an isolation centre had been established in Cueibet and that 10 patients were currently receiving treatment there.
“We have informed churches and schools so that communities are aware of the outbreak and can help spread information to the public,” he said, adding that local authorities were awaiting further support from the Ministry of Health and the World Health Organization (WHO).
Maker Malok Machut, director general at the Lakes State Ministry of Health, said the state had recorded 145 measles cases and 11 deaths across Cueibet, Yirol East, Yirol West and Rumbek East counties.
“I just want to give a quick update on the measles outbreak in Lakes State,” Machut said. “Within the last three weeks, we have recorded a total of 145 cases in four counties. We have lost 11 children in Cueibet County in different health facilities.”
He said other counties had reported cases but no deaths.
According to Machut, Rumbek Central County recorded 11 cases, with all but one patient recovering. Yirol East recorded 31 cases, most of whom have recovered, while Rumbek East reported one case that has since recovered.
“The highest number of cases is currently in Cueibet and Yirol counties,” he said.
Machut said the state government had requested support from WHO and other partners to contain the outbreak.
“The first intervention includes the provision of vitamin A and antibiotics for children who develop complications such as pneumonia,” he said. “Many patients arrive at health facilities at a late stage of illness.”
He said a measles vaccination campaign was being prepared jointly by the national Ministry of Health and WHO and was expected to begin in Cueibet within the coming week.
“Children aged five years and below will be vaccinated as part of the intervention,” he said.
Machut said health authorities were compiling detailed records of patients affected by the outbreak, noting that most cases involved children who had not received routine immunisation.
“Most of the children affected are those without a proper immunisation history,” he said. “Some parents do not take their children to health facilities to complete the recommended vaccination schedule.”
He said concerns about temporary side effects, such as fever following vaccination, discouraged some families from seeking immunisation services.
“Some parents fear these reactions and stop bringing their children to health facilities,” he said.
Machut said vaccinated children were less likely to develop severe forms of the disease.
Angelina Adhel Malual, chairperson of the civil society network in Lakes State, urged parents to ensure their children receive routine vaccinations.
“Measles has been affecting children because some parents are not taking them for vaccination,” she said. “Vaccination is what protects our children.”
Malual said temporary side effects should not discourage families from immunising their children.
“Every vaccine may have side effects, but that should not stop parents from protecting their children,” she said.
She encouraged mothers to continue taking children for routine immunisation from birth through infancy, saying the protection offered by vaccines could last for years.
“I am a mother and I have taken my children for vaccination despite the side effects,” she said. “I encourage other mothers to do the same so that we reduce the risk to our children’s lives.”
Malual also called on local leaders, health workers and community organisations to increase awareness campaigns at the grassroots level to improve vaccine uptake and counter misconceptions about immunisation.
She said civil society groups would continue working with communities and health authorities to encourage families to follow medical advice and access life-saving health services.
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