Measles Outbreak in Todee Claims One Life, Leaves Several at Risk

TODEE, MONTSERRADO COUNTY: A rising outbreak of Measles in Todee Statutory District, of Lower Montserrado County, has claimed the life of a four-year-old child, while several others battle critical illnesses of the disease.

Residents say the outbreak began roughly two weeks ago and have affected over 16 children across two local communities.

Rebecca Williams, the Grandmother of the child who fell prey to the disease, said it began developing in the form of heat bumps that took over the child's skin.

Madam Williams told K-News that they later realize the illnesses to be as a result of Measles, at a time when it has severely affected the kid's internal system.

She explained that her teenage grandson suffered sorely mouth and skin rashes before ultimately succumbing to the disease.

“As the sickness worsened, his skin became extremely hot, sores developed in his mouth, and he could no longer talk to us,” Madam Williams told K-News.

She said traditional medicines were used in the process to manage the illnesses, but did not yield positive results—marking the first recorded death linked to the outbreak.

Health workers at the Yeagbah Town Public Clinic have confirmed at least two confirmed measles cases from the most affected communities in Todee District.

Reports say more cases may go unreported due to limited access to healthcare facilities and low public awareness about the disease within affected areas.

Meanwhile, residents have expressed fear about their lives particularly with the kids, and called on the government through the Ministry of Health to promptly intervene and address the public health crisis.

Community dwellers at the same time have voiced frustration over the lack of awareness campaigns and the apparent unavailability of measles vaccination centers in affected areas.

They are calling on the Ministry of Health to urgently deploy medical teams, conduct awareness campaigns, and provide vaccines to prevent further loss of lives particularly among children, who remain the most vulnerable.

Many revealed that in the absence of medical supplies, they have heavily relied on traditional remedies, including the use of “King Juice," a locally available beverage, as a form of treatment.

As fears continue to mount, residents warn that without immediate intervention, the outbreak could spread further, deepening an already fragile public health situation in the district.