By Waswa Tenywa
The Ministry of Health has confirmed there is an active Cholera outbreak in the parts of Kampala City.
According to the statement from the ministry, a total of 7 cases have been confirmed and are currently undergoing treatment at China-Uganda Friendship Hospital (CUFH), Naguru adding that three of these cases are from one family residing in Mpigi District while the other four are from two families residing in Kalerwe in Kampala City.
The statement signed by Dr. Henry Mwebesa Ag. Director General Health Services, In order to avert further spread of the disease, the ministry has instituted two isolation wards at; Mulago National Referral Hospital and CUFH-Naguru.
Cholera is a serious acute infectious disease characterized by watery diarrhea and vomiting and kills a person within hours. It is spread through eating and drinking food contaminated with feaces of an infected person. Other factors responsible for the spread of Cholera include; poor personal hygiene such as not washing hands after using the latrine, using contaminated water, poor sanitation as occurs in open defecation, eating foods or drinks prepared under unhygienic conditions.
Uganda is currently experiencing heavy rains which are likely to result into floods and contamination of water sources because of poor hygiene and sanitation, and high-water table in certain districts. Which according to the ministry will favor the spread of the outbreak of infectious and communicable diseases such as Cholera, Typhoid, Dysentery and Malaria in several districts.
To further arrest transmission of Cholera, Ministry of Health and partners continue to undertake the following interventions:
• Intensified case management and surveillance of Cholera cases
• Active social mobilization and sensitization of communities on Cholera and its prevention and control measures
The Ministry of Health appeals to the general public to;
1. BOIL all drinking water or add Chlorine “water guard or aquatab”
2. Open the water drainage channels around your homes and drain stagnant water
3. Wash your hands with soap and clean water after using the toilet and before eating food.
The ministry has further urged the public to be vigilant and report any suspected Cholera cases to the nearest health facility.
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