Bilharzia outbreak reported in Jinja

JINJA - Health officials from Jinja City have raised concern over an outbreak of bilharzia in island communities and surrounding landing sites along the lakeshores in the area.

The officials said samples were collected from residents, which confirmed the presence of the disease, sparking fears that more people could be at risk if preventive measures are not immediately embraced.

Dr Fredrick Isabirye, the Jinja city health officer, said the outbreak was detected in Kisima I, Kiisma II Islands and surrounding communities of LOCO village after surveillance teams carried out investigations and laboratory tests on residents suspected to be infected.

He explained that the city health surveillance team collected stool samples from residents in the affected areas and submitted them for laboratory analysis.

“Out of the 50 samples that were collected and tested, 30 turned out positive, confirming that we have a problem of bilharzia in these islands and surrounding communities, “Isabirye told the media on Thursday at the office of the Resident City Commissioner (RCC).

Isabirye called for observation of better hygiene and sanitation practices to curb the spread of the disease.

He explained that Bilharzia is a parasitic disease caused by worms that thrive in contaminated freshwater bodies like lakes, rivers and swamps, adding that the disease is common in fishing communities where people frequently come into contact with unsafe water during fishing, bathing, and washing.

He said the disease spreads when people are exposed to water infested with parasites released by infected snails and that once inside the human body, the parasites develop into adult worms that can damage internal organs if treatment is delayed.

He warned that children and fishermen are the most vulnerable groups because of their constant interaction with lake water.

Isabirye revealed that symptoms of bilharzia include stomach pain, diarrhoea, blood in stool or urine, fever and general body weakness, while severe infections can lead to liver, kidney and bladder complications.

He warned communities against open defecation and construction of pit latrines at the lake shores, saying it could be one of the major causes of the disease.

He said they have requested the health ministry for drugs to treat victims and also to immunise locals to prevent further spread of the disease.

Salim Kumakech, the Jinja RCC, said once the drugs have been delivered, communities living on Islands and around landing sites should take immunisation seriously. He said parents who will be found hiding their children from the exercise face arrest.

Ronald Katongole, the Jinja city councilor for Masese parish, attributed lack of access to clean water and proper toilet facilities as some of the main causes of the disease outbreak.

Katongole noted that the only preventive measures are: providing immunisation drugs and constructing public toilets.