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Kasese, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Mass vaccination for cholera is set to be rolled out in Kasese district this weekend. The exercise will be done by a joint team comprising the Ministry of Health and the District Health Team with support from the World Health Organization-WHO.
The exercise will target more than 350,000 people in 16 sub-counties which include Nyakiyumbu, Kitholhu, Karambi, Mukunyu, Kasese municipality among others. The rollout follows an announcement made by the Ministry of Health in April, about the second phase of cholera oral vaccination in flood-prone areas following reports of anticipated heavy rains.
Kasese District Health Officer Yusuf Baseke says the exercise targets persons aged one year and above with emphasis on areas that have been ravaged by flooding. He said when rivers flood, they leave distractions including washing away latrines, a breeding ground for the bacteria.
Baseka says training for the team that will be conducting the exercise is ongoing, adding that the district will also roll out a polio vaccination exercise next month.
Cholera is an infection caused by bacteria and affects the intestines. The main symptoms are watery diarrhoea and vomiting. This may result in dehydration and severe cases of greyish-bluish skin. It is transmitted primarily by drinking water or eating food that has been contaminated by an infected person, including one with no apparent symptoms.
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