hepatitis B burden worldwide

Thirteen people have been confirmed dead from hepatitis “B” in Moyo district and 19 other infected under the medical care since the epidemic broke out in the district in July last year.

The district disease surveillance officer Simon Muda says the most affected areas are Mayo, Metu, Dufile, Imala and Idula surrounding the river Nile belt.

The disease is causes acute illness with the symptom of yellowing of the skin and eyes which lasts for several weeks.

It is caused by a virus is transmitted through contact with blood or other fluids of an infected person and is only prevented with safe and effective vaccine.

Muda says the district health department has so far spent 5.6 billion shillings for the screening and testing exercise since the virus broke out last year.

By Mugisa Isaac Mathias