CHOLERA KILLS 8, LEAVES 300 HOSPITALIZED IN HOIMA

By Yosam Gucwaki
In Hoima

Eight people have been confirmed dead and over 300 are hospitalized at
isolation centres that have been set up following a suspected cholera
outbreak in Hoima district.
The latest outbreak has been reported in Rwenyawawa village in
Kyangwali Sub-County and Sebigoro landing site in Kabwoya Sub County where Congolese refugees are settled.
The affected areas are a host to thousands of refugees from DR Congo who fled tribal clashes between the Lendu and Bagegere in Ituri province in the eastern part of the country.
The violence has allegedly forced over 20,000 Congolese to flee into
the neighboring Uganda since early December last year via Lake Albert.

Dr. Fred Kugonza; the Hoima District Disease Surveillance Officer, on
Monday said in a phone interview with www.mknewslinkcom that all the deceased were children below five years. He added that among a total of 119 children are among the cholera patients admitted in different health units.
Dr.Kugonza said the deceased died following episodes of diarrhea and vomiting coupled with high fever believed to be signs of cholera.
He added that as part of the intervention isolation centres have been
set up at Rwenyawawa village in Kyangwali sub-county and another one
at Sebigoro landing site in Kabwoya sub-counties along Lake Albert in
Hoima district.

Kugonza said some samples from patients diagnosed with acute diarrhea
have been sent to Central Public Health Laboratory in Kampala for
testing.
The Hoima Resident District Commissioner (RDC), John Steven Ekoom has advised residents to observe personal hygiene and embrace the use of pit latrines.
He blamed the outbreak to the poor sanitation conditions at the
refugee settlement camps. He warned that the situation might become
worse when it rains.
Cholera is an acute infectious disease, usually shared through the
consumption of contaminated food and water, which can potentially
prove fatal. Sufferers endure symptoms that include acute watery
diarrhea and vomiting.
SOURCE: www.mknewslink.com, a greater western Uganda news website.
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