UGANDA: Hoima cholera cases rise to 65, officials say

By Francis Mugerwa

Posted  Monday, May 6  2013 at  01:00
 
Hoima

The number of cumulative cholera cases registered in Hoima District has reached 65 since the epidemic broke out mid-April.

The district health inspector, Mr Fredrick Byenume, said most of the affected are males who are 10 years and above. “The disaggregated data reveals that we have registered 30 adult males and 19 female adults. We have 16 children below the age of five, ”Mr Byenume said.

Medical officials have observed that most cholera patients also have bilharzia. “The pit-latrine coverage in the Lakeshore communities which have been affected by the epidemic is very low,” Mr Byenume said.

Health officials say although the disease broke out at Runga Landing Site on Lake Albert, it has spread and infected residents in Kababwa, Waki and Kapaapi villages in Kigorobya Sub-county. Two cases have also been confirmed in Kyangwali Sub-county.

The death toll has remained at three. The patients have been discharged after showing clinical signs of recovery. Kigorobya Sub-county councillor Mugenyi Mulindambura, has asked the government to set up public toilets in the affected area.

fmugerwa@ug.nationmedia.com