Health
Jinja on alert after 30 test positive for bilharzia
The cases were detected following investigations around Masese landing site and Kisima Island in Lake Victoria, prompting plans for further testing and a possible mass treatment exercise to contain the disease.
People visiting Jinja regional referral hospital wash their hands with soap at a facility near the main entrance. (Photos by Charles Kakamwa)
By: Charles Kakamwa, Journalist @New Vision
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Health authorities in Jinja city have urged residents, particularly those living near water bodies, to observe strict hygiene and sanitation measures after at least 30 people tested positive for bilharzia in the latest outbreak.
The cases were detected following investigations around Masese landing site and Kisima Island in Lake Victoria, prompting plans for further testing and a possible mass treatment exercise to contain the disease.
Jinja city health officer Dr Frederick Isabirye said the outbreak came to light last week after patients at health centres in Masese, located in Jinja Southern Division, presented symptoms consistent with bilharzia.
He said samples were collected from about 60 residents living around Masese Landing Site and Kisima Island, with laboratory results confirming 30 positive cases.
However, Dr Isabirye said on June 5, 2026, that additional samples were still being collected and analysed before authorities could roll out a mass drug administration programme.
Bilharzia, also known as schistosomiasis, is spread when an infected person defecates in or near a water source. Parasites from human waste infect freshwater snails and are later transmitted to people who come into contact with or consume contaminated water.
Isabirye disclosed the outbreak while addressing a capacity-building workshop on water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) activities held at Jinja Regional Referral Hospital.
The workshop forms part of a $230,000 (approximately sh800 million) project funded by the Korea Foundation for International Healthcare (KOFIH) aimed at reducing and preventing waterborne diseases in the Busoga sub-region.
The two-year project, running from 2025 to 2026 in Jinja city and Iganga district, seeks to reduce the prevalence of waterborne diseases, particularly diarrhoea, cholera, dysentery and typhoid, from 4%to below 3.5% in the target areas.
However, Dr Isabirye said on June 5, 2026, that additional samples were still being collected and analysed before authorities could roll out a mass drug administration programme.
Bilharzia, also known as schistosomiasis, is spread when an infected person defecates in or near a water source. Parasites from human waste infect freshwater snails and are later transmitted to people who come into contact with or consume contaminated water.
Isabirye disclosed the outbreak while addressing a capacity-building workshop on water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) activities held at Jinja Regional Referral Hospital.
The workshop forms part of a $230,000 (approximately sh800 million) project funded by the Korea Foundation for International Healthcare (KOFIH) aimed at reducing and preventing waterborne diseases in the Busoga sub-region.
The two-year project, running from 2025 to 2026 in Jinja city and Iganga district, seeks to reduce the prevalence of waterborne diseases, particularly diarrhoea, cholera, dysentery and typhoid, from 4%to below 3.5% in the target areas.
Activities under the programme include research, capacity building for community leaders, health workers, cultural and religious leaders, public awareness campaigns on WASH practices, and the promotion of toilet and handwashing facilities
“Water, sanitation and hygiene are important as these facilitate disease prevention and therefore less expenditure on treating illnesses,” Dr Alfred Yayi, the senior executive consultant at Jinja regional referral hospital, said.
Dr Yayi said the project also supports infrastructure development in target communities, training initiatives and community engagement programmes, including activities involving schoolchildren, all aimed at promoting better WASH practices.
According to him, proper handwashing and hygiene can help prevent diseases such as bilharzia, typhoid, diarrhoea and cholera.
Joseph Oposhia, an epidemiologist attached to the Busoga Regional Public Health Emergency Operations Centre, warned that untreated bilharzia can lead to severe health complications, including liver cirrhosis, kidney damage, bladder cancer, infertility and neurological disorders.
The Rev. David Munobwa of the Anglican Church called for intensified public sensitisation through various communication channels, noting that many people remain unaware of the dangers associated with poor hygiene and sanitation.
Paul Balidawa, the assistant resident city commissioner for Jinja, cautioned communities against linking diseases such as bilharzia to witchcraft. He emphasised the importance of proper parenting, saying it can help address many social problems arising from poor upbringing.
Dr Isabirye also urged residents to remain vigilant following the Ebola haemorrhagic fever outbreak in the country.
He said that although no Ebola case had been reported in Jinja, the city's rapid response team remained on standby and isolation facilities had been prepared to handle any suspected cases.
Jinja regional referral hospital Senior Executive Consultant Dr Alfred Yayi (Left) talks to Assistant RCC for Jinja, Paul Balidawa, after the workshop at Jinja hospital. (Photos by Charles Kakamwa)
“Water, sanitation and hygiene are important as these facilitate disease prevention and therefore less expenditure on treating illnesses,” Dr Alfred Yayi, the senior executive consultant at Jinja regional referral hospital, said.
Dr Yayi said the project also supports infrastructure development in target communities, training initiatives and community engagement programmes, including activities involving schoolchildren, all aimed at promoting better WASH practices.
According to him, proper handwashing and hygiene can help prevent diseases such as bilharzia, typhoid, diarrhoea and cholera.
Joseph Oposhia, an epidemiologist attached to the Busoga Regional Public Health Emergency Operations Centre, warned that untreated bilharzia can lead to severe health complications, including liver cirrhosis, kidney damage, bladder cancer, infertility and neurological disorders.
The Rev. David Munobwa of the Anglican Church called for intensified public sensitisation through various communication channels, noting that many people remain unaware of the dangers associated with poor hygiene and sanitation.
Paul Balidawa, the assistant resident city commissioner for Jinja, cautioned communities against linking diseases such as bilharzia to witchcraft. He emphasised the importance of proper parenting, saying it can help address many social problems arising from poor upbringing.
Dr Isabirye also urged residents to remain vigilant following the Ebola haemorrhagic fever outbreak in the country.
He said that although no Ebola case had been reported in Jinja, the city's rapid response team remained on standby and isolation facilities had been prepared to handle any suspected cases.