Meningitis outbreak in West Nile districts

By Violet Nabatanzi & Juliet Waiswa

 The ministry of health (MOH) has confirmed an outbreak of Meningitis in Adjumani and Arua districts.

A total of 31 suspected cases have been reported since the first case was registered late last month. However there has been no death.

In a press release issued by the MOH, Adjumani district has recorded the highest number of cases with fourteen cases followed by Arua which has so far registered thirteen cases.
 

The release reveals that the neighbouring districts of Koboko and Maracha have recorded two cases.

The release states that “The outbreak was reported after receiving confirmatory results from Central public health laboratory (CPHL) which proved that two people had tested positive for the disease,”

The most affected areas in Adjumani district are the three districts hosting refugees who flee from South- Sudan due to the current instability.

The affected sub-counties include Dzaipi, Adropi and Arinyapi which are sharing borders with the south-Sudan where a weekly market operates. This is likely to amplify transmission in the region and spill over the boarder.

According to the release the ministry has dispatched a team of health experts to beef up the local team in the districts.

“The necessary drug supplies have been mobilized; plans are under way to designate treatment centers in all the existing health facilities in the affected districts,” states the release.