Bilharzia hits Mayuge district
Oct 12, 2003
Over 75% of the children on island schools in Mayuge district are carrying germs that cause bilharzia, a waterborne parasite that attacks the liver, lungs and eyes of humans.
By Olwoch Komakech and Fred Nangoli
Over 75% of the children on island schools in Mayuge district are carrying germs that cause bilharzia, a waterborne parasite that attacks the liver, lungs and eyes of humans.
This was revealed in a health survey conducted by the district director of health services, and signed by the clinical officer, Peter Naireka.
Scientifically known as schistosomiasis, bilharzia is contracted when blood flukes enter the body by way of contact with infested surface water.
The survey was conducted on several island schools, among which are: Gori, Jagusi, Selinyabi, Bumba, Kaza, Sagitu and Maslya Primary School, where it was discovered that 75% of the pupils had bilharzia.
Meanwhile doctors sayss swimming in most of Ugandan lakes and swamps is a potential source of bilharzia infection.
Dr Gerald Wamala of Victoria Medical centre, said Bilharzia is caused by blood flukes (schistosomes).
Dr John Latigo, a general practitioner, says if the schistosome eggs may affect the brain but the liver is the most commonly affected site resulting into a chronic disease. Widespread collection of pus may also occur at different sites of the body.
Infection can be prevented by avoiding swimming in lakes and swampy water. If contaminated water reaches the skin, rapid drying or rubbing with alcohol will prevent infection.
Over 75% of the children on island schools in Mayuge district are carrying germs that cause bilharzia, a waterborne parasite that attacks the liver, lungs and eyes of humans.
This was revealed in a health survey conducted by the district director of health services, and signed by the clinical officer, Peter Naireka.
Scientifically known as schistosomiasis, bilharzia is contracted when blood flukes enter the body by way of contact with infested surface water.
The survey was conducted on several island schools, among which are: Gori, Jagusi, Selinyabi, Bumba, Kaza, Sagitu and Maslya Primary School, where it was discovered that 75% of the pupils had bilharzia.
Meanwhile doctors sayss swimming in most of Ugandan lakes and swamps is a potential source of bilharzia infection.
Dr Gerald Wamala of Victoria Medical centre, said Bilharzia is caused by blood flukes (schistosomes).
Dr John Latigo, a general practitioner, says if the schistosome eggs may affect the brain but the liver is the most commonly affected site resulting into a chronic disease. Widespread collection of pus may also occur at different sites of the body.
Infection can be prevented by avoiding swimming in lakes and swampy water. If contaminated water reaches the skin, rapid drying or rubbing with alcohol will prevent infection.