By Yang Ater Yang
At least 11 children have died following a measles outbreak in Cueibet County of Lakes State, as health authorities confirm 145 cases recorded across four counties over the past three weeks.
Health officials in Lakes State said the outbreak has affected Rumbek East, Cueibet, Yirol East, and Rumbek Central counties, with Cueibet and Yirol East recording the highest number of infections.
Dr. Maker Malok Machut, Director General at the Ministry of Health in Lakes State, confirmed the outbreak on Friday, saying 102 cases have been confirmed, while 11 children have died in Cueibet County alone.
“We reported the number of cases in different counties of Lakes State. We have 4 cases in four counties, and in general, we had a total number of 145 in four counties within these three weeks, where the peak of the disease increased,” he said.
He added that Rumbek Central County recorded 11 cases, all of whom have recovered except one patient still under treatment, while Yirol East recorded 31 cases, all of whom have also recovered. Rumbek East County recorded one case that has fully recovered.
Dr. Maker said the most severe impact is currently in Cueibet and Yirol East counties, where health teams are closely monitoring the situation.
“We called out our partner, the World Health Organisation (WHO), to start intervention,” he said.
He explained that emergency response measures include vitamin A supplementation, antibiotics for complicated cases, and treatment for pneumonia and other related infections, especially for children who arrive at health facilities in late stages of illness.
Dr. Maker said a vaccination campaign is already underway in coordination with the World Health Organisation (WHO) and national health authorities.
“All the children of five years downward will be vaccinated with the measles vaccine,” he said. “We will be going within this coming week to Cueibet County to implement the intervention.”
He noted that most of the affected children had no history of immunisation, blaming low vaccination uptake in some communities.
According to him, fear of side effects such as fever after vaccination has discouraged some parents from taking their children for immunisation.
“If one takes the child to the health facility and the child develops some kind of side effects like high temperature within some hours, they may say this is disturbing, and it will kill my child,” he said.
He emphasised that children who are vaccinated are either protected or experience milder symptoms if infected.
Civil society leader in Lakes State, Angelina Adhel Malual, urged mothers to ensure children are vaccinated, saying misinformation and fear are contributing to preventable deaths.
“The measles vaccine is what protects our children, but if we refuse because of side effects, our children will continue to be sick,” she said.
She encouraged mothers to follow immunisation schedules from birth up to nine months and beyond, stressing that vaccines remain essential for long-term protection.
Angelina also called on community leaders to intensify awareness campaigns at the grassroots level to improve vaccination coverage and reduce outbreaks.
Acting Cueibet County Medical Officer Daniel Run confirmed that health facilities in Langdit, Mayath PHC unit, Duony, Malou-Pech, and Cueibet County Hospital have been affected.
He said an isolation center has been established at Cueibet County Hospital, where 10 patients are currently receiving treatment.
“Five children died because of measles,” he said, adding that the outbreak was first reported on June 10, 2026, and has since spread across several locations.
He said county authorities, together with health partners, are coordinating response efforts and have informed churches and schools to help raise awareness and prevent further spread.