Government has said there have been confirmed cases of Shigella – a non epidemic type of diarrhea- in Kyangwale and Kigolobya camps, Hoima district, and Kyaka 2 in Kyegegwa district.
According to a statement released today by the Ministry of Health Public Relations Officer Vivian Serwanjja, about 25 cases have been line listed in Kyegegwa and about 60 cases in Hoima.
“Patients with Shigella present with Diarrhea (sometimes bloody), Fever, Stomach Pain, urge to pass stool even when bowels are empty,” the ministry added.
Response teams, led by the Ministry of Health, Red Cross, MSF and other partners are on ground in the two districts, working tirelessly to contain the disease with specific emphasis on WASH activities to avoid further spread.
Dr. Fred Kugonza, the Hoima District Disease Surveillance Officer blames the crisis on poor sanitary conditions in the refugee settlement camps, saying the situation is likely to worsen when rain sets in.
