The Ministry of Health in Shangombo District has revealed an increase in measles infections three weeks after the district recorded its first positive case.

Shangombo District Hospital Acting Medical Officer In-Charge Ululi Wamunyima confirmed this when a team of officers from the District Administration and the local authority visited the hospital.

Dr Wamunyima said the district has recorded 58 suspected cases, of which 17 have been confirmed positive.

“So far we have 58 suspected cases with 17 confirmed positives,” Dr Wamunyima said.

He added that one patient who was in critical condition was successfully treated and has since been discharged.

Dr Wamunyima further revealed that the hospital has set up an isolation unit with dedicated staff assigned to provide appropriate treatment to patients.

Shangombo District Commissioner Mubita Siyamana has declared the situation an emergency and called on stakeholders in the district to work together to curb further spread of the disease.