He added that, the index cases traveled from neighboring Guinea, where there has been an ongoing Measles outbreak which has quickly spread to unvaccinated children in the country.

“The MOHS is doing everything in its power to bring this Measles outbreak under control. Surveillance has been enhanced; contact tracing is taking place and with support from the WHO and UNICEF and other partners an emergency Measles vaccination campaign is underway,” Moosa said.

He further disclosed that, because of the risk from neighboring Guinea, health authorities in the nearby districts of Bombali, Kono, Kambia and Tonkolili have also been put on high alert to step up surveillance and engage communities, and to immediately report suspected cases.

Charles Njuguna Head of Health Security and Emergency Co-coordinator WHO commended MoHS for their timely detection and response to the Measles outbreak through the Integrated Diseases Surveillance and Response System (IDSR).

Mr. Njuguna disclosed that WHO has provided both technical and financial support to the ministry for immediate deployment of a multi-disciplinary rapid response team from national and district levels to these extremely remote communities.

“Efforts to raise public awareness on the real health risks associated with the Measles virus are ongoing,” he said.

WHO in collaboration with UNICEF according to Njuguna is ready to support the government in the fight against the Measles outbreak and will be assisting with the rolling-out of the vaccination campaign in Koinadugu and Falaba districts.