DR. BESIGYE’S HOME DISTRICT RESIDENTS TROUBLED WITH JIGGERS

By Ambrose Kweronda

www.mknewslink.com

In Rukungiri—

More than 400 families in Bwambara sub- county Rukungiri district are reportedly infested with Jiggers.

The mostly affected are Rushebeya, Kateramo,Kempazi among others all in Kikongi parish Bwambara sub- county in Rujumbura county Rukungiri district.

John Tumushabe, the Chairperson Lc1 Kateramo Cell in Kikongi Bwambara sub -county Rukungiri District said that he has been receiving such cases from members in his cell.

“I have been receiving complaints about families with people affected by Jiggers. Yes it true we have Jiggers in our area,” Tumushabe said.

Tumushabe added that” together with Members of the Village Health Team we have sensitized the affected homes about improved hygiene but they have failed to copy with proper sanitation and home cleanliness”

Tumushabe put the blame on parents who don’t mind about their children since they’re the most affected ones.

“Parents are the ones to be blamed for this because they have failed to monitor the hygiene of their children. Some children sleep with dirty (unwashed) feet when their parents are there watching” Tumushabe said.

Annet Kyobutungi a VHT in Rushebeya cell said they have sensitized people about hygiene but the problem persisted.

“It is becoming Normal, people no longer mind. Some families no longer care about their wellbeing. As a VHT I have done my role of sensitization but people have totally failed to respond to our call and message” Kyobutungi said.

Kyobutungi added that “in some families, people’s feet and toes are in a sorry state and jiggers have started moving upwards towards the up parts of the body. The situation is worsening and it needs quick intervention from the government”

Moses Mugumya, a resident of Rushebeya cell Kikongi parish Bwambara sub- County revealed that the jigger infestation was first observed about one month ago.

Muguma explained that the jigger victims can neither bath nor feed themselves because they are very weak health wise.

Geoffrey Kyomukama, the Rukungiri LCV Chairperson said the fight against jigger infestation needs collective responsibility from both locals, religious leaders and security agencies or else it can a serious problem once not fought at an early stage.

“Jiggers are very stubborn, they can even kill a person once they are played with. Therefore we need to fight it seriously and save our people” Kyomukama said.

Jiggers penetrate the human body throw the feet, ankles, elbows and palms, where they suck blood from their host. Heavy infestations without control may lead to serious fibrosis, inflammation, ulceration, death from tetanus infections from open wounds and use of unsterilized sharp objects according to Arthur Mugisha of Nyakibale hospital in Rukungiri municipality.

Most times jiggers are brought about by being surrounded by dirty places and people being unable to clean their houses

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