Hepatitis E virus hits Pader district
May 24, 2008
THE deadly Hepatitis E virus has spread from Kitgum to Pader district, at a time when health workers of Kalongo hospital are on strike because of poor working conditions.<br>
By Chris Ocowun
THE deadly Hepatitis E virus has spread from Kitgum to Pader district, at a time when health workers of Kalongo hospital are on strike because of poor working conditions.
The virus has killed about 31 people and infected close to 1,500 people in Kitgum, since its outbreak last year. “Three people have been admitted to Kalongo hospital in critical condition,†Pader district chairman, Peter Odok W’Ocheng said yesterday.
He said one of the victims had attended a funeral in Kitgum and carried the virus back to Kalongo. Pader’s RDC, Lt. Santo Okot Lapolo, advised that since the virus is spread through poor hygiene, the water pots in the IDP camps should be destroyed and jerrycans be introduced.
Both Odok and Lapolo called for mobilisation of the people on sanitation and personal hygiene to curb the spread of the virus.
“Hepatitis E is more severe among pregnant mothers. it is transmitted through contaminated water and poor sanitation, just like cholera. The most common symptoms of Hepatitis E are jaundice (yellowish eyes) and fever,†the commissioner of health, Dr Sam Okware said.
He said that people with these symptoms should rush to the nearest hospital or health centre.
THE deadly Hepatitis E virus has spread from Kitgum to Pader district, at a time when health workers of Kalongo hospital are on strike because of poor working conditions.
The virus has killed about 31 people and infected close to 1,500 people in Kitgum, since its outbreak last year. “Three people have been admitted to Kalongo hospital in critical condition,†Pader district chairman, Peter Odok W’Ocheng said yesterday.
He said one of the victims had attended a funeral in Kitgum and carried the virus back to Kalongo. Pader’s RDC, Lt. Santo Okot Lapolo, advised that since the virus is spread through poor hygiene, the water pots in the IDP camps should be destroyed and jerrycans be introduced.
Both Odok and Lapolo called for mobilisation of the people on sanitation and personal hygiene to curb the spread of the virus.
“Hepatitis E is more severe among pregnant mothers. it is transmitted through contaminated water and poor sanitation, just like cholera. The most common symptoms of Hepatitis E are jaundice (yellowish eyes) and fever,†the commissioner of health, Dr Sam Okware said.
He said that people with these symptoms should rush to the nearest hospital or health centre.