Health authorities confirm four measles cases at Kpone Kokompe, intensify surveillance to contain outbreak

Health authorities in the Kpone-Katamanso Municipality have confirmed four cases of measles at Kpone Kokompe, prompting an immediate escalation of surveillance, contact tracing, and containment measures to prevent the viral infection from spreading further within the community.

Dr Jemima Quarte Mensah, Medical Superintendent of the Kpone District Hospital, announced the development during the Kpone-Katamanso Municipal Assembly’s General Assembly meeting held at Kpone. She disclosed that contact tracing and other planned interventions had been successfully undertaken as part of efforts to contain and ultimately eradicate the infection in the affected area .

Parents Urged to Report Suspected Cases Promptly

In her address, Dr Mensah appealed to parents and guardians to report suspected cases of measles promptly to the nearest health facility for proper investigation and management. She cautioned residents against resorting to traditional remedies, the use of local gin, or other unapproved methods to treat suspected cases, warning that self-medication could worsen the condition of affected persons and, in some cases, lead to preventable deaths .

“Parents should not hesitate to take their children to health facilities when they suspect any signs of measles,” she advised .

Call for Vigilance at Schools and Churches

The Medical Superintendent also urged churches, schools, and other institutions where large numbers of people gather to adopt strict preventive measures to minimise the risk of transmission. She encouraged such institutions to strengthen hygiene practices, monitor individuals showing signs of illness, and promptly refer suspected cases to health facilities .

Dr Mensah stressed the importance of community cooperation with health authorities, noting that early reporting and adherence to public health directives were critical to containing the outbreak. She appealed to residents to remain vigilant and support health personnel in their efforts to prevent the disease from spreading to other communities within the municipality .

Municipal Healthcare Context

The Kpone-Katamanso Municipality has faced significant healthcare delivery challenges in recent years. The Municipal Health Directorate has previously identified a critical doctor-to-patient ratio of one doctor to 52,000 patients—far below the recommended national standard of one to 1,000—as a major constraint affecting service delivery . Poor road infrastructure within the municipality has also hampered health personnel from monitoring patients, with some residents opting to seek care in neighbouring districts .

The municipality has also contended with disease outbreaks, including a cholera outbreak that began in 2025 and an outbreak of monkeypox (Mpox) . However, the health directorate has recorded notable improvements in measles vaccination coverage, with reversal coverage increasing from 94 per cent to 105 per cent .

The confirmation of these four measles cases highlights the ongoing need for robust surveillance and swift public health intervention. As health authorities intensify their response, the cooperation of residents and institutions will be essential in preventing further transmission and safeguarding public health within the community.