Authorities in Lesotho have confirmed a measles outbreak in two northern districts—Buta-Bute and Leribe. As of September 30, 12 confirmed and 20 suspected cases of the disease were registered.
The Deputy Secretary General of the Ministry of Health, Mantsoanelo Monyobi, stated in a declaration that the outbreak was first detected on September 23 at Dr. Strong Tabo Makene the hospital in Buta-Bute, where four suspicions were initially identified. The national reference laboratory confirmed measles in three of the samples taken two days later.
The initial confirmed cases involved schoolchildren aged six to fourteen from the communities of Urban, Likila, and Nkwoe in Buta-Bute. By the end of September, the number of cases in this district increased to 12 confirmed and 14 suspected.
Meanwhile, the neighboring district of Leribe reported six suspected cases among children aged 13 to 15 in the community of Maputsoe. Rapid response teams were deployed in both northern districts to track contacts and actively search for cases. Medical staff are providing treatment and implementing infection prevention measures.
Monyobi also noted that the Ministry of Health is assessing the level of local vaccination to identify gaps and plan targeted catch-up campaigns. Measles is a highly contagious viral disease transmitted through respiratory droplets. Symptoms usually appear seven to eighteen days after infection and include fever, red rash, cough, runny nose, and redness or watery eyes.
Monyobi warned that measles can lead to serious complications such as pneumonia, severe diarrhea, ear infections, brain inflammation, and even death. Small children, pregnant women, and people suffering from malnutrition or vitamin A deficiency are particularly vulnerable. She strongly urged parents to keep their children's routine vaccinations up to date, emphasizing that measles vaccines are safe and highly effective. Furthermore, she advised anyone exhibiting symptoms to isolate themselves from schools, workplaces, and public gatherings and seek medical attention immediately.