By Simon Kakama & Felix Basiime
Jan 17, 2004
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MBARARA - More than 2 million people in 21 districts of Uganda are at the risk of contracting river blindness, a Health ministry official has said. Dr Richard Ndyomugyenyi made the comments on January 15, at a seminar held in Westland hotel here. The official said the affected districts are Kisoro, Kabale, Rukungiri, Bushenyi and Kasese. Others are Kabarole, Kyenjonjo, Kamwenge, Kibaale, Hoima, Masindi, Kanungu, Nebbi, Arua and Yumbe. Also at risk are the residents of Moyo, Adjumani, Gulu, Apac, Mbale and Sironko districts. River blindness originates from fast flowing rivers and streams, especially those that snake through forests. It is transmitted by a black fly called simulium, which lays eggs in the water. Symptoms of the disease include itching, leopard spots on the skin, and in advanced stages, blindness. Ndyomugyenyi said the ministry is currently treating 1.8 million people affected by the disease. |
� 2004 The Monitor Publications
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