Main health risks for Uganda

Diseases transmitted by insects or animals

The whole country is malarial with a transmission all year long. However, the prevalence is relatively low in Kampala. Strains are highly resistant to chloroquine (zone 3). Malaria is one of the main causes of mortality in Uganda.

Yellow fever is endemic in Uganda. In November 2010, cases of yellow fever were reported in the northern part of the country. By May 2011, ten districts, all located in northern Uganda (Abim, Agago, Arua, Gulu, Kaabong, Kitgum, Kotido, Lamwo, Lira and Pader) were affected.

Dengue fever is endemic in Uganda. It is a mosquito-borne disease. Symptoms are fever, headache, rash, muscle and joint pain, nausea and, in severe cases, hemorrhagic manifestations.

Marburg fever is endemic and the country has known outbreaks in 2007, in several western districts. In 2008 and in January 2009, a Dutch, followed by an American tourist died after catching the Marburg fever during a trip in Uganda. Be aware that caves and mines shelter bats, which are a reservoir for the Marburg virus.

Rabies is endemic in the country.

The districts of Arua and Nebbi are endemic for plague; in 2008, 73 cases of plague were reported, 17 of which lethal. 29 cases were confirmed to be of bubonic plague. Authorities have set up sensitization campaigns and warned people that the disease could be transmitted by pet cats.

Diseases transmitted by food, water or through the environment

Diarrheic diseases are frequent among travelers who do not take precautions.

In 2009, 8 cases of polio were reported countrywide. Poliomyelitis is an infectious disease transmitted via the oro-fecal route. It may cause paralysis. An efficient vaccine exits against this disease.

Due to the risk of schistosomiasis and other parasitic infestations, travelers are advised not to bathe in fresh waters (lake, rivers) and should not walk bare-foot.

Due to the risk of hemorrhagic fever, travelers should avoid eating bush meat.

Diseases transmitted by contact with infected people

According to UNAIDS, the HIV is highly prevalent in Uganda: among the adult population (15-49), 5% is HIV-positive.

The Ebola virus is present in Uganda. On May 13th, 2011, the Ministry of Health announced that one case of Ebola Haemorrhagic fever has been reported in Luwero District (one hour north of Kampala). Among humans, the virus is transmitted by direct contact with infected body fluids. In some cases, people became infected after handling infected chimpanzees, gorillas and forest antelopes, either dead or alive. Symptoms of Ebola are : a sudden onset of fever, headache, muscle aches, weakness and vomiting. The disease then progresses to various haemorragic manifestations such as red eyes, external and internal bleeding.

Epidemics of Neisseria meningitidis meningitis occur regularly in the zone, particularly in the north and north-east of the country (provinces of Karamoka, Gulu, Nakapiripirit, Moroto) and close to the Sudan border. The last epidemic started in December 2008, in Hoima and Arua districts and then spread to Masindi, Adjumani and Moyo. By February 3, 2009, 336 people had been affected, while 42 had died.

In Uganda, tuberculosis, and respiratory diseases are chronically present.