The health department in Aweil South County is investigating suspected cases of measles, according to county health officer Santino Ayuir Piol.

Piol said that specimens from six suspected measles cases were taken to the World Health Organization (WHO) to confirm the diagnosis last month. One child died while being treated.

“What we did is we collected the specimen or sample, is here now with me in the car we want to take two new cases to Aweil, where the WHO are based, for investigation,” he said today.

The official urged families to take their children when sick for diagnosis at health clinics. “We inform the public to be aware if they find any cases they should report it to the health centers immediately to follow,” he added.

Reporting by Nhomlau FM

File photo: An aid agency responds to a measles outbreak with vaccinations (UNICEF)