Uganda has reported a rise in cholera cases, with the total number reaching 67 since the outbreak began in the northern part of the country on January 7, according to the Ministry of Health.
Dr. Daniel Kyabayinze, the Ministry’s Director of Public Health, informed the media that of the 67 cases, seven have been confirmed through laboratory tests, while the remainder are suspected cases.
All the cases have been reported in the northern border district of Lamwo, where 21 individuals are still hospitalized, while the rest have recovered and been discharged. Additionally, one fatality has been recorded.
Dr. Kyabayinze indicated that it is believed the cholera cases may have been introduced into Uganda from neighboring countries.
“The disease has spread through poor hygiene and using contaminated water in areas which have low coverage of latrines and toilets,” Dr. Kyabayinze said.
“We have so far lost one person due to cholera. The treatment will require a lot of rehydration. We call upon people to exercise proper hygiene, boil their water, and report to treatment centers once they get suspected cases,” he added.
Cholera is an extremely serious disease that can cause severe acute watery diarrhea with severe dehydration, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
