Number of Typhoid patients in Kampala soars

By Ronald Sebutiko

The number of people being examined for the Typhoid scourge at Kisenyi health Centre has gone up from 2,140 where it was on Tuesday to 3,000.

This has forced the city authorities together with UPDF medical officers to open up another treatment Centre at the facility to handle the big number of patients.

Photo of patients waiting to be examined for treatment/photo of kisenyi hospital

The Typhoid scourge which broke out last month in Kampala and later spread to other districts like Mukono and Wakiso has killed over two people. The disease has now been reported in 14 districts of Uganda.

Sarah Zalwango the health supervisor for Kisenyi health centre says they receive between 100 to 200 patients for Typhoid check up a day and the number of those examined and found with Typhoid now stands at 5o%.

“We have decided to open up another treatment centre at the facility to cater for the big number of patients and with the help of UPDF doctors all is going on well” Zalwango adds.

Abdu Hakim Amanya a resident of Katwe Kinyoro in Kampala one of the patients who was fund receiving treatment at Kisenyi health Centre says he has spent a week receiving treatment for Typhoid  and today he got the last injection.

Amanya a father to one says he might have contracted the disease from drinking water his wife used to buy from a neighboring shop.

Photo of Amanya getting treatment.

What causes Typhoid?

The Typhoid fever is contracted by drinking or eating the bacteria in contaminated food or water. People with acute illness can contaminate the surrounding water supply through stool, which contains a high concentration of the bacteria. Contamination of the water supply can, in turn, taint the food supply. The bacteria can survive for weeks in water or dried sewage.

About 3%-5% of people become carriers of the bacteria after the acute illness. Others suffer a very mild illness that goes unrecognized. 

In Kampala some spring wells like the one in the old taxis park have since been closed and KCCA has provided tapped water there.

Photo of man collecting water from the newly constructed tap.

Photo of a man crossing over Nakivubo channel.

How to avoid catching Typhoid

• Wash your hands frequently.
• Use a water purification kit to clean local water before use. 
• Remember to only use ice that is made from bottled or boiled water, and avoid popsicles or flavored ice. 
• Make sure all foods have been thoroughly cooked and are served steaming hot. 
• Avoid eating fruits and vegetables that you have not prepared personally. 
• Avoid food and drinks from street vendors.