The cases were reported from Ocettoke East village, where a family of seven was rushed to Kitgum General Hospital (KGH) after exhibiting symptoms of cholera.
According to Dr. Denis Ocula Omoya, the Lamwo District Health Officer, the outbreak is currently confined to five parishes in Agoro Sub-county. Dr. Ocula revealed that out of the 30 confirmed cases, 27 patients are currently admitted at Agoro Health Center III, while two have been discharged.
In Nakasongola, a total of 549 pit latrines across the sub-counties of Kalungi, Lwampanga, Lwabyata and Nabiswera have been swept off by the overriding water, according to a report on the impact of the rising water levels released by Nakasongola Chief Administrative Officer Alex Felix Majeme.
Dr Godfrey Bwire, who heads the Diarrheal Diseases Division at the Ministry, attributed the suspension to the disruptions caused by the ongoing lockdown that was instituted to curb the further spread of Coronavirus disease, also known as COVID-19.
Abubaker Ssematimba the Kikyusa sub county LC 3 Chairperson says due to increasing garbage, they had resolved to clear the garbage in the town board two days each week.
Ministry of health Spokesperson Emmanuel Ainebyoona says that the ministry has successfully contained the outbreak through treatment, sensitization of communities on prevention measures. He says currently only eight cases with signs and symptoms of cholera are still admitted at the China-Uganda Friendship hospital Naguru.
The water shortage scare comes days after the Ministry of Health confirmed an outbreak of Cholera in parts of Kampala, with several cases recorded from Kabowa, Rubaga division. So far 16 people are receiving treatment in the isolation ward at Naguru Hospital.
According to Kaducu, several settlements in the suburbs of Kampala are located too close to the drainage channels, and dumping grounds, exposing city dwellers to poor hygiene, a catalyst for spreading cholera, an acute diarrheal infection caused by ingestion of food or water contaminated with bacteria.
According to the Ministry of Health spokesperson, Vivian Nakalika Sserwanja, after several tests and examination, medics have confirmed that the patient had cholera. Nakalika adds the patient was since taken to Mulago National Referral Hospital.
Rews Ilukol, the acting District Health Officer Moroto, says theres a lot of social mobilisation ongoing in Tapac Sub County with the help of Village health team and the district health personnel.
Wakiso District Health Officer Dr Mathias Seviiri says that health teams in Wakiso have increased surveillance in areas that share boundaries with Kampala. He adds that all health officials in the district have been put on high alert to control, detect and treat any cases that may arise.
Hoima district disease surveillance officer Dr Fred Kugonza cautions that communities along the shores of Lake Albert in Hoima district are at a risk of contracting cholera. He pointed out the areas of Kigorobya, Kabwoya, Buseruka and Kyangwali where refugees have settled, among communities.
The outbreak of the disease caused by exposure to faecally contaminated water or food, follows a series of floods that washed away latrines into water sources in sub-counties of Nyakiyumbu, Bwera and Isango.
The closure follows last months assessment on water from boreholes in the district, which showed that the water is contaminated with human waste. The contaminated water sources are found in the areas of Karugutu, Itoojo and Kanara Sub Counties.
Dr. Emmanuel Ochola, the head of HIV, Research and Documentation Department says the hospital effectively contained the disease within days and no new cases have emerged.
According to Sister Agnes Mono the In-Charge Paidha health center III, six cases were reported from Jangokoro and Nyapea sub-counties while, nine of the total fifteen cases reported are from Paidha Sub-County of which one died while others were rushed to Nebbi general hospital for better management of the patients conditions.
Geoffrey Komakech, the Buseruka LC5 Councilor says communities along the Lake Albert shores continue drinking unsafe water and defecate in the open due to lack of latrine facilities. He says the fragile soils in the area make it difficult for residents to sink pit latrines.
The disease is believed to have started in Panyimur Sub County where the first cases were identified among Congolese fish mongers. Reports from Nebbi district indicate that so far five people have died and about 20 more are receiving treatment in Nebbi general hospital.
Olive Tumuhairwe, the health inspector in-charge Burahya County, says that in a bid to motivate other households to improve their sanitation, they give out incentives, which include mosquito nets, soap and tippy taps to households who have excelled in hygiene and sanitation.
