Yellow fever;
On 24/03/2015 Masaka district alerted MoH of a strange illness that had killed 3 people in in one family. Investigations confirmed yellow fever. Response including case management at Masaka RRH social mobilization and active case finding are ongoing. By 15th March 2015, a total of 18 suspected cases including 5 laboratory confirmed cases, with 9 deaths (CFR=50%) were documented. Buwungu subcounty is the most affected (attack rate=). Active Surveillance and case finding in Masaka and surrounding districts are ongoing
Cholera Outbreaks;
There have been several cholera outbreaks in various districts in Eastern Uganda. over the last 5 months. The disease outbreak was first confirmed in Busia district in October 2015 and over time cholera outbreaks have been re-ported in other neighboring districts including Mbale, Sironko, Bulambuli, Butalejja, Namayingo, Kapchorwa and Manafwa districts. By end of 30th March 2016, over 600 cumulative cases had been recorded in the region. Butaleja district has so far recorded the highest case fatality rate (5.5%). All districts reported Response and control efforts are currently ongoing. However, one of the greatest challenges respective districts have encountered in their control efforts, is lack of resources to facilitate community interventions, inadequate laboratory services to confirm the disease and shortage of medical supplies and protective gear. With the start of the rain season, it is anticipated that the outbreak will continue to spread and ravage the region unless more aggressive control efforts are implemented.
