Meningitis, the fast-spreading viral disease, has killed six people in Arua. Health officials there say six others are ill and are in critical condition at Manibe and Aoi health centers.
Meningitis is a contagious airborne disease. It can be fatal among humans.
Dr. Patrick Anguzu, the Arua District Health Officer, says the outbreak caught the district unaware. He says it has no money to buy vaccines against meningitis or drugs to treat the sic.
Dr. Anguzu says his office is waiting for assistance from the Ministry of Health and confirmation of the disease from the Uganda Virus Research Institute.
Yesterday an emergency meeting was organized to plan for an appropriate response to the disease.
Participants at the meeting chaired by Arua Deputy RDC, Henry Ringakech, resolved to start a widespread education campaign, particularly in heavily populated areas like schools and markets.
Other cases of meningitis have been recorded in Moyo and Koboko districts.
