Measles outbreak reported in Magwi as 88 suspected cases recorded

Health authorities in Magwi County, Eastern Equatoria State, have reported a measles outbreak, with 88 suspected cases recorded and treated at health facilities across the county.

County Health Director Martin Okot says measles cases have been rising at various health facilities since March 2026.

The outbreak was first detected in Abara in March, when samples from suspected cases were collected and sent to the National Public Health Laboratory in Juba for confirmation.

Four samples tested positive.

In April, two additional samples from the same area also tested positive for measles, according to health officials.

Speaking to Eye Radio on Friday, Okot said the disease has since spread from Abara to Oboe and Lubbone, with cases now reported in communities in the Magwi and Oboe areas.

“This measles outbreak was first detected in Magwi, in one location in Abara, in March. Samples were collected and taken to the National Public Health Laboratory for confirmation. Among the suspected samples, four were confirmed positive in March.

“Then in April, two more samples from the same location were also confirmed positive. In medicine, everything is considered suspected before laboratory confirmation,” he said.

Okot further said seven samples collected in August were confirmed positive after being tested at the laboratory.

He said a total of 88 suspected measles cases have been recorded and treated at health facilities in the county since March.

Okot said children under five years and some adults aged 45 years and above are among those most affected.

Despite the continued reporting of cases, health officials say no major intervention has yet been carried out to contain the outbreak.

“The recommendation we made is that there is a need for intervention, including mass vaccination against measles. We have not yet contained the situation, and people are still reporting the same signs and symptoms at health facilities,” he said.

The health authorities are urging communities to seek medical attention when children or adults develop symptoms associated with measles.