BY ISAAC MUMBERE
Two minors aged three and five are among the 30 people who on medication for leprosy.
Leprosy is a chronic infectious disease caused by a type of bacteria, Mycobacterium leprae. The disease predominantly affects the skin and peripheral nerves. Left untreated, the disease may cause progressive and permanent disabilities. The bacteria are transmitted via droplets from the nose and mouth during close and frequent contact with untreated cases.
The Kasese District TB and Leprosy Supervisor, Sajon Kisomerya confirmed to Messiah Radio that last year was closed with 28 cases, adding that two more others have been registered this year.
He mentioned that out of 44 lower local governments in the district, Kisinga, Kyalhumba and Kahokya sub-counties have already had their share on the proportions of these leprosy cases in the district.
At Kagando hospital in Kisinga Town Council where Leprosy victims flock for medication, Jackson Bwambale Kaze who heads the leprosy ward explains that the minors were brought to the facility when their conditions had worsened.
Our reporter visited their home in Kamughobe village in Kisinga sub-county and observed that the disease had already left patches on their hands and other body parts especially the feet.
Kisomerya adds that the minors have already healed because they were enrolled on medication but says the patches will permanently remain on their bodies.
But Kaze explains that the current cases of leprosy were clear manifestation that if funds were available, more outreaches would be conducted and other cases identified.
Kaze acknowledges that some health workers have little knowledge about leprosy, suggesting to the Ministry of Health to emphasize lessons on the infection in all health schools across the country.
The surge in the number of leprosy cases across the district forced our reporter to seek a medical interpretation from one Yorokamu Bakalyaghe who explained that the virus that causes leprosy moves through the air, meaning that any person can contract it through inhalation.
However, Bakalyaghe disclosed that all is not lost because even amidst financial constraints, the leprosy department is utilizing all avenues to sensitize the public about the disease.
ENDS