Health Ministry confirms cholera outbreak in Namayingo, Kayunga

Positive cases have been confirmed so far in the two districts of Kayunga and Namayingo in central and eastern Uganda.

The Health Ministry through its spokesman Emmanuel Ainebyoona said three cases had tested positive for Vibrochorelae at the Central Public Health Laboratories.

The acute diarrheal illness is caused by infection of the intestine with Vibrio cholerae bacteria. People can get sick when they swallow food or water contaminated with cholera bacteria.

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Ainebyoona says the Ministry is currently working with District Health Officers (DHO) in the district to among others, sensitize the masses to stop further spread of the infection.

“We are working to ensure that the masses are sourcing water from clean sources, hand washing and boiling of drinking water,” he said.

The cases were first flagged on July 15 in Namayingo involving a 2 year old baby at Bugana HC III.

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The patient presented with profuse watery diarrhea (multiple episodes), vomiting and stomach ache.

Two days later, on 17th July, 2023 two suspected cholera cases including the caretaker of the baby from the same family were admitted with similar signs and symptoms including profuse watery diarrhea, vomiting stomach ache.

Ainebyoona says a total of four samples were collected and sent to Central Public Health Laboratories (CPHL) for testing.

Currently officials are undertaking contact tracing, listing and follow -up. A total of 60 contacts have since been identified and follow up is ongoing.