By Patrick Jaramogi
KAMPALA, Uganda: Tension is high in Nakawa Division following a new reported case of Cholera in Bukoto, a Kampala suburb. The victim was rushed to Naguru China Friendship Hospital where he is admitted.
Other five patients who were rushed to the hospital tested positive for cholera as well. The six: three ladies, two male adults and a child have all be positioned in an isolated ward as they await further tests results from the Central Public Health Laboratories in Butabika. Cholera was first reported in Rubaga Division a few three weeks ago. According to Kyebambe Steven, the Head of Clinical Services at Naguru hospital, the patients are residents of Mutungo, Bukoto and Kireka. The State Minister for Primary Health Care Dr. Joyce Moriku Kaducu told SpyUganda that as a ministry, they are increasing sensitization and awareness in Kampala to avoid further spread. “We first had cholera cases reported in Rubaga Division, but now new cases have been reported in Nakawa division. But we also have cases reported in Kasokoso and Mbuya. My appeal to Ugandans is to be vigilant and maintain hygiene,” she said. One victim has so far been reported dead since the outbreak in Kabowa, a suburb in Rubaga division.
The Naguru Hospital Executive Director, Dr. Emmanuel Batiibwe, said since the cholera outbreak, a total of 16 patients have been admitted, treated and discharged. Cholera is an infection caused by bacteria and affects the intestines. The main symptoms are diarrhea, dehydration, vomiting and loss of skin elasticity. This may result in dehydration. It is usually contracted through drinking water or eating food that has been contaminated with faecal matter.
