Suspected Cholera Outbreak in Kasese Ahead Of NRM Day Event

A suspected outbreak of cholera is being reported in Kasese just five days before the National Resistance Movement—NRM—government holds its 27th anniversary in the district.

 

The NRM Victory Day, an annual event marked on January 26, was this year postponed to January 30 due to what government called logistical problems. Information Minister Mary Karooro Okurut explained that some of the invited guests from other countries could not make it on January 26 forcing the government to move it to January 30.

 

And now reports from Kasese indicate that at least one person is currently admitted at the Cholera Isolation Centre at Kilembe Hospital. Alice Masika,a resident of Maliba trading centre in Kasese district, is reported to havecontracted Cholera from a pork joint in the area four days ago.

 

A staff at Kilembe Mines Hospital confirmed that Masika was brought to the hospital in critical condition and had all signs of Cholera but she is now improving. She had high fever, headache and a running stomach, according to the staff.

 

However, the district health officer Dr.Yusufu Baseka said that he has not confirmed the outbreak but has had of it and is still investigating.

 

The suspected outbreak has left both leaders and locals puzzled on how Cholera attacks the district during dry season.

 

 

Dr. Baseka further advised residents to avoid shaking of hands drinking contaminated water and eating cold food among others.

Minister Karooro, when contacted about the suspected cholera outbreak, referred URN to the minister of Health. Dr Christine Ondoa, the minister of Health said on phone that she did not have the information, adding that the technical people at the ministry were yet to brief her.

 

In July last year, an outbreak of cholera in the district killed at least four people.