By Frank Kamuntu
The death toll from a cholera outbreak in central and eastern Uganda has reached eight, a health official said yesterday.
“As of now, we have a total of 25 cases, 10 confirmed and 15 are suspected. Of those who have died cumulatively, there have been eight registered deaths,” said Daniel Kyabayinze, director of public health at the Ministry of Health.
Uganda has confirmed the outbreak of cholera after six people tested positive for the acute infectious disease in Kayunga District and Namayingo District, according to the Ministry of Health.
“We are now emphasizing community awareness and health promotion, providing clean hygiene water, soap for cleaning hands,” Kyabayinze said.
Cholera is a serious acute infectious disease characterized by watery diarrhea and vomiting, according to the World Health Organization, which says that the disease remains a global threat to public health.
In 2019, two people died in Kampala following an outbreak of cholera. A year later, at least 10 people were hospitalized following a cholera outbreak in Uganda’s eastern district of Busia.
