The Epinhood (TEH)

CHOLERA – UGANDA: CONFIRMED

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International Society for Infectious Diseases
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Date Wed 26 Jul 2023
Source: Xinhua [edited] https://english.news.cn/africa/20230726/1c23f774940e43a5a16988cd5e2191f9/c.html

Uganda has confirmed the outbreak of cholera after 6 people tested
positive for the disease in the country’s central and eastern regions.

Emmanuel Ainebyoona, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Health, told
journalists in the capital of Kampala on Wednesday [26 Jul 2023] that
the disease had been confirmed in Uganda’s central district of Kayunga
and eastern district of Namayingo.

“So far about 3 samples obtained from Kayunga confirmed positive upon
testing at the public health laboratories, and also 3 samples in
Namayingo tested positive,” Ainebyoona added. “Our rapid response
teams are working with the districts to ensure they contain the spread
of cholera.”

According to the ministry, the public is being sensitized on measures
such as ensuring the masses consume water from safe sources,
handwashing, and ensuring that food is fully cooked. The Namayingo
district health office said in a separate statement that the 1st
suspected case was registered on 15 Jul 2023 when the patient
presented with profuse watery diarrhea, vomiting, and stomach ache.

In 2019, 2 people died in Kampala following an outbreak of cholera. A
year later [2020], at least 10 people were hospitalized following a
cholera outbreak in Uganda’s eastern district of Busia. Cholera is a
serious acute infectious disease characterized by watery diarrhea and
vomiting.