KAMPALA, July 26 (Xinhua) -- Uganda has confirmed the outbreak of cholera after six people tested positive for the disease in the country's central and eastern regions.
Emmanuel Ainebyoona, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Health, told journalists in the capital of Kampala on Wednesday that the disease had been confirmed in Uganda's central district of Kayunga and eastern district of Namayingo.
"So far about three samples obtained from Kayunga confirmed positive upon testing at the public health laboratories, and also three samples in Namayingo tested positive," Ainebyoona added. "Our rapid response teams are working with the districts to ensure they contain the spread of cholera."
According to the ministry, the public is being sensitized on measures such as ensuring the masses consume water from safe sources, handwashing, and ensuring that food is fully cooked.
The Namayingo district health office said in a separate statement that the first suspected case was registered on July 15 when the patient presented with profuse watery diarrhea, vomiting, and stomachache.
In 2019, two people died in Kampala following an outbreak of cholera. A year later, at least 10 people were hospitalized following a cholera outbreak in Uganda's eastern district of Busia.
Cholera is a serious acute infectious disease characterized by watery diarrhea and vomiting. ■