Meningitis team rushed to Hoima

Mar 22, 2002

The Government has identified as the Streptococcus Pneumoniae and H. Influenza, the organisms that have caused meningitis in Hoima and Masindi districts where 15 people have died.

By Anne Mugisa and Kikonyogo NgatyaThe Government has identified as the Streptococcus Pneumoniae and H. Influenza, the organisms that have caused meningitis in Hoima and Masindi districts where 15 people have died.It ruled out the meningitis epidemic caused by Neisseria meningitidis organisms which would necessitate mass vaccination, a statement from the health ministry said. It said further investigations were being carried out.“There is no need for mass vaccination at present in the two districts until we confirm that we are dealing with Neisseria meningitidis for which the vaccines are available," the statement said.Hoima LC5 chairman Eriphaz Kiiza had accused the Government of refusing to release a vaccine to combat the meningitis outbreak. Kiiza was yesterday talking to the Italian Ambassador to Uganda, Maurizio Peucci, who was in Hoima to inaugurate a 40-bed children's ward at Hoima Hospital.

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