Meningitis outbreak confirmed in Nakaseke

Dec 21, 2016

The statement, signed by the acting director general of health services, Prof. Anthony Mbonye, notes that some of the symptoms of meningitis are fever, headache, nuchal rigidity (neck stiffness), back pain and changes in mental state.

Prof. Anthony Mbonye

There is an outbreak of acute bacterial meningitis in Kinyogoga sub-county in Nakaseke district, the health ministry has disclosed.

According to a statement from the ministry, 16 cases have so far been confirmed in the sub-county. Acute bacterial meningitis is a rapidly progressive bacterial infection that causes inflammation of the layers of tissue that cover the brain and spinal cord (meninges).

The statement, signed by the acting director general of health services, Prof. Anthony Mbonye, notes that some of the symptoms of meningitis are fever, headache, nuchal rigidity (neck stiffness), back pain and changes in mental state.   

Risk factors

The statement showed that risk factors for meningitis include: the hot and dry season, which is conducive for rapid transmission, in addition to overcrowding/ congestion.

The current water shortage has led pastoralists to converge in big numbers at River Lugogo, that flows through Nakasongola and Nakaseke districts.

Although anyone is at risk of infection with meningitis, children and young adults are at a greater risk of contracting the disease because they are more vulnerable.

Information from the health ministry shows that Uganda is within the African meningitis belt and has had several meningitis outbreaks in a number of districts in West Nile, plus the northern and north eastern regions.

Management

The ministry of health is undertaking the following measures in order to control the spread of the condition;

-          Treating the affected patients

-          Has introduced reactive vaccination in the affected community. There are plans to cover the whole of Nakasongola, Nakaseke and the neighbouring sub-counties.

Prevention

The health ministry appeals to the public to observe the following measures to avert the spread of the disease.

-          Avoid direct contact with people suffering from the disease

-          Immediately take any suspected cases to a nearby health facility

Go for immunization when offered in your area.

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