Meningitis outbreak confirmed in Nakaseke

Ministry of health has confirmed the outbreak of the deadly bacterial meningitis in Kinyogoga sub-county in Nakaseke district.

According to the acting director general of health services, Prof. Anthony Mbonye, 16 cases have so far been confirmed in the sub-county.

Acute bacterial meningitis is a rapidly progressive bacterial infection that causes inflammation of the layers of tissue that cover the brain and spinal cord (meninges).

Some of the symptoms of meningitis are fever, headache, nuchal rigidity (neck stiffness), back pain and changes in mental state.

It should be noted that, although anyone is at risk of infection with meningitis, children and young adults are at a greater risk of contracting the disease because they are more vulnerable.

The health ministry is however determined to treat the affected patients and has already introduced reactive vaccination in the affected community.

Therefore, health ministry has appealed to the public to avoid direct contact with people suffering from the disease and the only preventive measure.