Nine people have died and 27 others have been hospitalized following a meningitis outbreak in Hoima district in western Uganda, said the Health Ministry.
Dr. Sam Zaramba, the ministry's director general of health services, was quoted by the state-owned New Vision daily on Thursday as saying the ministry was working with the local district authorities and the World Health Organization to control the epidemic.
"Preliminary drugs and logistics have been sent to the district and this has drastically reduced the number of deaths," said Zaramba, adding that most of the patients were from Kigorobya sub-county and are admitted at Hoima Hospital.
Zaramba said the Meningococcal meningitis is caused by bacterial infection and is transmitted from person to person through droplets of respiratory or throat secretions.
"Overcrowding, keeping close contact with patients, living in congested and poorly ventilated premises aid the spread of meningitis," he noted.
Meningitis is an inflammation of the meninges, the lining surrounding the brain and spinal cord. It can occur at any age in humans and is more likely to affect young children and adults.
Health Experts say that although some cases are mild, meningitis can be fatal if not dealt with quickly as the symptoms can often be mistaken for flu or a heavy cold.
Zaramba cited high fever, headaches, neck stiffness, sensitivity to light, mental confusion and vomiting as the most common symptoms experienced by persons suffering from the disease.
He requested the public to be vigilant and report suspected cases to the nearest health facility.
Meningitis last broke out in Hoima district in February 2008 when six people died and many others were hospitalized. The disease was confirmed in Kisukuma and Bwikya parishes, both in Kigorobya sub-county.
Source: Xinhua
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