A mysterious illness that has reportedly left patients shaking uncontrollably is spreading across Uganda in a case that is leaving doctors baffled.
The disease, which locals refer to as Dinga Dinga, which translates to “shake like dance,” has already affected about 300 people, mostly women and girls, according to health officials.
The baffling disease, confirmed in the Bundibugyo district of Uganda, causes fever and excessive body tremors that make it difficult for Dinga Dinga sufferers to walk.
District Health Officer Dr Kiyita Christopher told local media that no cases had been recorded in nearby areas outside the Bundibugyo region and that samples had been sent to the Ministry of Health for testing.
The doctor also assured that no deaths have been reported from the disease and that the disease can generally be treated with antibiotics.
Many patients have tried herbal remedies in an attempt to counteract their symptoms, but this is strongly advised against by their healthcare professional.
“There is no scientific evidence that herbal medicines can treat this disease,” he said.
‘We are using specific treatments and patients normally recover within a week.
The disease, which locals refer to as Dinga Dinga, which translates to “shiver like dancing,” has already affected about 300 people.
It is mainly women and girls who are affected by this disconcerting disease.
The disease was first reported in 2023 and continues to be investigated by health laboratories.
“I urge locals to seek treatment at health centers in the district,” he added.
Christopher told the Ugandan newspaper: Monitorthat the mysterious illness was first reported in early 2023 and continues to be investigated by health laboratories.
One patient, Patience Katusiime, recalled her experience with the illness and noticed that her body continued to shake uncontrollably, despite feeling paralyzed.
“I felt weak and paralyzed, and my body shook uncontrollably every time I tried to walk,” she said.
It was very disturbing. “I was taken to Bundibugyo Hospital for treatment and thank God I am fine now.”
It comes just months after a monkeypox outbreak was reported in Uganda and other East African states.
In August, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the ultra-deadly strain of the disease, also known as mpox, a global public health emergency.
Officials said an outbreak of the virus in the Democratic Republic of Congo and its neighboring countries raised “international concern”, the WHO’s highest alert level.
The hope was to accelerate research and vaccine rollout to contain the virus, which is more infectious and several times more deadly than the one that caused the global outbreak in 2022.
A local Ugandan doctor said that no deaths have been reported as a result of the disease and that the disease can generally be treated with antibiotics.
It comes just months after a monkeypox outbreak was reported in Uganda and other East African states.
This year alone, more than 17,000 suspected cases of monkeypox and more than 517 deaths have been reported on the African continent, according to the African Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
This is an increase of 160 percent compared to the same period last year.
Mpox caused an international epidemic in 2022 when it spread to more than 100 countries and killed hundreds of people, including 58 Americans.
No deaths were recorded in the UK, but several thousand Britons were infected.
The WHO recommends getting vaccinated within four days of contact with someone who has the virus or within 14 days if there are no symptoms.
It is recommended that healthcare workers and men who have sex with men receive the vaccine even if they have not been exposed to mpox.
Symptoms of mpox include rash, skin lesions, fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, and swollen lymph nodes.
It is transmitted through physical contact, such as kissing or sexual relations, cooking animals, contaminated materials, and pregnant women who can transmit it to their fetus.
There is no direct cure for mpox, but doctors try to treat its symptoms, including clearing the rash and controlling pain.