NEWS: Meningitis hits Yumbe district

Meningitis hits Yumbe district

Sunday, 29th March, 2009 from NEW VISION ONLINE

Health workers check the meningitis screening tent at Yumbe Hospital

THE insurgency in Sudan and Congo has destroyed the health infrastructure in those countries, leading to the spread of diseases to neighbouring countries like Uganda as displaced people seek refuge. Yumbe district health officer, Dr Alfred Yayi, says Uganda has always taken precaution by immunising its people, but the booming business across borders brings in many diseases. Between August and December last year, the World Health Organisation confirmed two cases of meningitis in Juba, Sudan, and three in Congo. Although Yumbe district carried out meningitis immunisation in 2007, a case was reported there on January 9. A 13-year-old girl died on arrival at Kulikulinga Health Centre III. Dr Yayi blames the death on the delay of the patient to report to hospital. “It is advisable to report a stiff neck and fever to hospital as soon as the symptoms appear, for quick treatment,” he says. The survey revealed that the girl had prior to this visited relatives in Drajini sub-county near the Sudan border. Currently, Yumbe district is experiencing a meningitis outbreak. So far, 43 cases have been reported since January. Of these, 34 were treated, four are still on treatment, while five victims died, according to Dr Yayi. “Although many of the cases were identified by symptoms, six of the victims were tested and confirmed to have the Neisseria germ which causes menigitis type A,” Dr Yayi explains. The most affected areas are Apo sub-county with 10 cases and Yumbe Town Council with eight cases. Others are Dra, with four cases; Kei two; Kuru five; Odravu three; Romoge two and Midigo five. The source of four cases was not established. A screening centre has been set up at Yumbe Hospital, while tests are done at Kuluva Hospital in Arua. Although the Ministry of Health was informed of the outbreak in January, nothing had been done by the time of interview two weeks ago. However, the district officials met recently and resolved that councillors should sensitise the masses about the disease to curb further spread. The officials also meet every Tuesday to get updates from health workers. Kassim Ayisuga, the deputy district chairman, advises residents to avoid crowded places like night clubs. He says there are more chances of catching the disease through droplets from an infected person. Next month, the district plans to immunise people aged five to 30 years in Apo and Yumbe Town Council. “Those below two years cannot be vaccinated as the vaccine may be harmful to their lives. Those above 30 years are expected to have acquired enough immunity. So they may not be at a high risk,” Dr Yayi says. He urges caretakers to take precaution since being above 30 years may not guarantee one’s safety after handling patients carelessly. Unfortunately, the health workers say the vaccine is too expensive to be used on everyone. The incubation period for meningitis, Dr Yayi says, is between one to 10 days. He says if treatment is started early, there are high chances of survival. According to the health workers, although there are various types of meningitis — A, B, C and Y — only Type A has a vaccine. However, they say the available treatment can be used on all types of meningitis. Patients are given IV chloramphenicol, ceftriaxone injection and oily chloramphenicol.