Lesotho confirms measles outbreak in two northern districts

Lesotho has confirmed a measles outbreak in its northern districts of Butha-Buthe and Leribe, with 12 confirmed and 20 suspected cases as of September 30, according to health authorities.

Mants'oanelo Monyobi, deputy principal secretary in the Ministry of Health, said in a statement that the outbreak was first detected on September 23 at Dr Strong Thabo Makenete Hospital in Butha-Buthe, where four suspected cases were identified. The National Reference Laboratory confirmed measles in three of the samples two days later.

The initial confirmed cases involved school-going children aged six to 14 from the Urban, Likila and Nqoe community councils in Butha-Buthe. By September 30, the district's tally had risen to 12 confirmed and 14 suspected cases.

Meanwhile, the neighboring Leribe district reported six suspected cases among children aged 13 to 15 in the Maputsoe Community Council.

Rapid response teams in both northern districts have launched contact tracing and active case finding, while health workers are providing treatment and enforcing infection prevention and control measures.

Monyobi noted that the health ministry is also assessing local vaccination coverage to identify gaps and guide targeted catch-up immunization campaigns.

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease spread through respiratory droplets. Symptoms typically appear seven to 18 days after exposure and include fever, a red rash, cough, a runny nose, and red or watery eyes.

Monyobi warned that measles can lead to severe complications such as pneumonia, severe diarrhea, ear infections, brain inflammation, and even death. Young children, pregnant women, and individuals suffering from malnutrition or vitamin A deficiency are particularly vulnerable.

Urging parents to keep their children's routine vaccinations up to date, Monyobi emphasized that measles-containing vaccines are both safe and highly effective. She also advised anyone showing symptoms to isolate from schools, workplaces, and public gatherings, and to seek immediate medical attention.