Three cases of measles have been confirmed in Amuru District, according to Goodluck Oywelo, the district health educator.

Oywelo told Radio Rupiny that, the disease was found in three children in Okidi Parish in Atiak Sub–County after they presented with signs and symptoms similar to the disease, prompting confirmatory tests.

He said samples of 16 children who were suspected to have contracted the disease were taken to the Uganda Virus Research Institute for testing on the 27^th of last month, where three turned positive.

According to Oywelo, the patients were admitted to Atiak Health Center IV where they are currently being treated as the 13 suspects are being monitored at the same health facility.

Michael Lakony, the Amuru District Chairperson revealed that the district leaders held a meeting where they resolved to carry out mass vaccination in the entire district against the disease.

Measles is a highly contagious, and serious airborne disease caused by a virus that can lead to severe complications and death in children aged five and below, according to the World Health Organization.

It causes runny nose and eyes, body rushes, and fever, among others.

The measles outbreak in the country was first reported in Kasese and Hoima districts.