Cholera outbreak reported in Goziba Island

KAGERA: KAGERA Region has formed a task force to closely monitor and take necessary steps to control the Cholera disease that has been reported on Goziba Island in Muleba District, with several patients admitted to the hospital.

Speaking at a Regional Consultative Committee (RCC) meeting, Kagera Regional Administrative Secretary (RAS), Dr Toba Nguvila, emphasized the urgent need for action to control the epidemic.

“The fight against this epidemic must involve all citizens. It is a matter of life and death. The primary cause of this deadly disease is poor sanitation in all forms. Proper sanitation and personal hygiene are crucial tools in combating the disease. We can do this if we all take heed,” he said.

Dr Nguvila urged citizens to take precautionary measures, such as washing hands with soap before meals and after using the toilet. He also called on residents in the region to ensure that they boil or treat their drinking water.

“The agenda of keeping the environment clean should be a permanent one. It should be a routine for every household to ensure they have decent toilets and dispose of garbage promptly,” he said.

He directed health officials and Ward Executive Officers (WEOs) to ensure that surveillance teams are monitoring 24 hours a day and to report any suspected cases. People should also be educated on maintaining hygiene and drinking boiled water. Dr Nguvila explained that there have been recorded cases of cholera in recent months.

The number of patients confirmed to have contracted cholera in Bukoba Municipal has increased to 16, with two reported deaths.

The first cholera patient was reported on January 4th of this year in Bakoba Ward’s Kafuti Street, while other patients were reported from different areas. About 11 patients were treated and discharged, while two patients were admitted to Nshambya District Hospital for treatment,” he said.

In December of last year, the number of patients confirmed to have contracted cholera in Missenyi District increased to seven, with four confirmed deaths.

Four people died of the epidemic on November 29th of last year in Bugorora Ward’s Buchurago village in Missenyi District, while five patients were previously admitted to St. Therese Omukajunguti Hospital.