Cholera outbreak in Uganda kills 8

A cholera outbreak in Uganda has killed eight people, left four others admitted at Mulago Hospital in the capital Kampala and over 100 admitted in various health centers in Jonam county, Nebbi district in western Uganda.

In Kampala, the outbreak has been reported in Kimwanyi zone, Radio Uganda reported Wednesday.

Mayor of Kampala John Sebana Kizeto told a press conference on Wednesday that a village task force has been instituted while all food and drinks vending have been temporarily suspended in an effort to contain the situation.

He blamed the outbreak of cholera on poor sanitation and drainage system in the area, saying that the zone has only four functional toilets.

In Nebbi district, Jonam county Member of Parliament Jocham Omach on Wednesday told parliament that three people have died, 59 others have been admitted at health centers in Jonam, 22 at Pachego, 15 at Puchero and eight at Pacheyi health center.

Meanwhile, Minister of Health Jim Muhwezi on Wednesday assured the people of Nebbi and Kampala that the ministry is working hand in hand with leaders to ensure that the problem is handled.

He said the government is concentrating more on prevention of the disease.

Source: Xinhua