An outbreak of meningitis has halted the studies in Uganda's northeastern district of Moroto, local press reported on Wednesday.

Moroto district education officer Paul Abul has ordered education institutions in the district to remain closed for a week due to the outbreak of meningitis in the northeastern region.

In a letter to all schools in the district, Abul advised students to get immunized against the disease, saying that all schools would open for their first term on February 13.

Meanwhile, Moroto municipality mayor Joseph Lomilo advised people against over crowding, especially at drinking places.

According to local press reports, about 40 people are feared dead due to the disease which broke out in January this year.

In Nakapiripirit district, mass vaccination against the disease started on Saturday with thousands of people reporting to various vaccination centers.

The district director of health services, Dr. Moses Ongom, said the vaccines had been distributed to all villages to ensure that all the people were served.

He said the vaccination is meant to boost the immunity of the most vulnerable people who were aged between two and 30.

Source: Xinhua