A deadly outbreak of an unknown illness has sparked panic and confusion in Uganda, where at least 14 people have died and 40 others have fallen ill. The symptoms of the disease include severe headache, dizziness, diarrhoea, vomiting and nosebleeds. Some of the patients have also reported bleeding from other parts of the body, such as the eyes, ears and mouth.
The Ugandan Ministry of Health has been investigating the outbreak since it was first reported on 10 November, but has not been able to identify the cause of the illness. Preliminary tests have ruled out Ebola, typhoid, yellow fever, Rift Valley fever and several other diseases.
Some test results have suggested that the disease might be plague, a bacterial infection that is spread by rodents and fleas. However, the ministry said that this was not consistent with the findings by medical workers on the ground, and that further tests were being carried out.
The outbreak has affected mainly the northern districts of Kitgum, Abim and Agago, where health workers have been deployed to treat the patients and prevent the spread of the disease.
The ministry has advised the public to avoid eating meat from sick domesticated and wild animals, and to take precautions such as washing hands regularly, boiling drinking water and seeking medical help as soon as possible if they experience any of the symptoms.The ministry has also warned against spreading rumours and misinformation about the disease, and urged the public to follow the official updates and guidelines.
The mystery disease has raised concerns about the preparedness and response of the Ugandan health system, which has faced several challenges in the past, such as outbreaks of Ebola, Marburg, cholera and Covid-19.
The country is also dealing with the threat of the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), a rebel group that has been accused of carrying out attacks on civilians and security forces in Uganda and the neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo.In October, the ADF killed a British and a South African couple and their Ugandan guide in the Queen Elizabeth National Park, one of the most popular tourist destinations in Uganda.
The US and the UK have issued security alerts for their citizens in Uganda, warning of a growing terror threat, including targeting of foreigners. They have also advised their citizens to avoid large gatherings, such as worship activities and music festivals.
Sources: yahoo.com, bbc.co.uk, bbc.com, telegraph.co.uk