Friday, December 20, 2024 - A mysterious unexplained illness tagged the "dancing disease" has reportedly left patients shaking uncontrollably and is spreading across Uganda in a case that has left doctors baffled.
The disease which locals are referring to as Dinga Dinga, translating to
"shaking like dancing", has already affected around 300 people,
mostly women and girls, according to health officials.
The puzzling illness, confirmed in the Bundibugyo district in Uganda,
causes fever and excessive body shaking which makes walking difficult to those
that are suffering with Dinga Dinga.
Doctor Kiyita Christopher, the district health officer, informed local
media that no instances had been recorded in nearby areas outside of the
Bundibugyo region and that samples had been submitted to the health ministry
for analysis.
The doctor also reassured that there has been no fatalities reported as
a result of the disease, and that the illness is usually treatable with
antibiotics.
Many patients have tried herbal remedies in an attempt to counter their
symptoms, but this has been strongly discouraged by the health
professional.
"There is no scientific evidence that herbal medicine can treat this
disease," he said.
"We are using specific treatments, and patients usually recover within a
week.
"I urge locals to seek treatment from health facilities within the
district," he added.
Christopher told Ugandan newspaper, Monitor, that the mysterious
illness was first reported in early 2023 and remains under investigation by
health laboratories.
One patient, Patience Katusiime, recalled her experience with the
illness, noting that her body kept shaking uncontrollably, despite feeling
paralysed.
"I felt weak and got paralysed, with my body shaking uncontrollably
whenever I tried to walk," she said.
“It was very disturbing. I was taken to Bundibugyo Hospital for
treatment, and thank God, I am now fine.”
A strange new disease is shaking Uganda—literally. The 'Dinga Dinga' outbreak has left over 300 people in the Bundibugyo district trembling uncontrollably, unable to even sit or walk. A bizarre and worrying phenomenon that demands attention!#DingaDinga #Uganda pic.twitter.com/AOqZWjsdst
— Parimal Nathwani (@mpparimal) December 20, 2024
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