Aug 28, 2008 (BBC Monitoring via COMTEX) -- Doctors in Kibaale District [western Uganda] are investigating a mysterious disease that has broken out in the area, killing four people. The disease first broke out in Nyakarongo village, Bwikara Sub-county in Buyaga County, according to the Sub-county chairperson, Ssalongo Kazungu.

The symptoms include severe headaches, high fever, general body weakness and joint pains. The victims die within two to three days of contracting the disease. "Residents request health workers to detect and contain the disease," said Mr Kazungu.

The district health officer, Dr Dan Kyamanywa, said medical workers have started investigating the disease. "A medical team has been dispatched to verify the reports of the mysterious disease," he said yesterday.

Dr Kyamanywa said the district disease surveillance team is on the look-out for any new cases and has obtained blood samples for testing. "We request the public to report any mysterious cases in their neighbourhood," he appealed.

Dr Kyamanywa said malaria is common among communities along the shores of Lake Albert, but added, "Let us verify and confirm the exact illness before we can take appropriate action." Doctors have also advised patients to seek immediate help at health centres.

They said some of the deaths could have been a result of delays in seeking medical help or resorting to herbalists for treatment.

Source: Daily Monitor website, Kampala, in English 28 Aug 08

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KEYWORD: UGANDA INDUSTRY KEYWORD: HEALTH

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