Sironko cholera death toll rises, 70 admitted

Sironko. Authorities in Sironko District have expressed concern over the alarming rate of spread cholera in the district.
According to information from the district health department, so far seven people have died due to the disease in a period of two weeks while 70 people are admitted to health facilities.
The most affected sub-countries include Bukiise, Bugitimwa, Budadiri Town Council, Mutufu and Sironko Town Council.
The district leadership has launched a campaign dubbed, “Kick cholera out of Sironko” in a bid to educate residents on the dangers of poor hygiene.

“We are encouraging the communities to practice good hygiene and to make sure they have toilets and other sanitary facilities,” Dr Agnes Bukirwa, the Sironko District health officer, said.
Dr Bikirwa said since the epidemic broke out in the district two weeks ago, cases have increased to 70 up from 4 while seven people have died.
“The increasing cases of cholera in our district are now worrying. But this is because most of the homes don’t have pit-latrines and other sanitary facilities,” she explained. The officer also blamed lack of bathrooms and contaminated water sources.

She said they have set up two isolated centres in Budadiri Health Centre IV and Sironko Health Centre to handle suspected cholera cases. The Elgon Regional prison commander, Mr James Aissu, said they have temporarily suspended inmates of Mutufu government prison from attending court trial for fear of spreading cholera that was first reported in the government prison.
“We are trying to see how we can overcome the issue of cholera in the district,” said Mr Aissu.

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