Meningitis Outbreak Claims Six in Western Uganda

Text of report by Amlan Tumusiime entitled “Meningitis kills six in Hoima” published by Ugandan newspaper The New Vision website on 23 February

Six people have died and many others hospitalized following a meningitis outbreak in Hoima District [western Uganda] over the past two weeks.

An official from Hoima Hospital, Dr Michael Mulowoza, said the disease was confirmed in Kisukuma and Bwikya parishes in Kigorobya sub-county.

Mulowoza urged the locals to avoid public gatherings and to report any suspected case to a nearby health centre.

In addition, cholera has broken out in Bugambe sub-county killing three people. John Bahemuka, the Bugambe sub-county chairman, said two of the dead were from the same family.

Originally published by The New Vision website, Kampala, in English 23 Feb 08.

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