The use of pots has been banned by Ministry of Health in Madi-Opei Sub- county in Kitgum District because they are contaminated with a virus which causes Hepatitis E.
Hepatitis E is a severe viral disease which can cause liver failure. The disease is caused by a virus called hepatitis E (HEV) which is transmitted to human beings through consumption of drinks or food contaminated.
The Commissioner for Community Health at the Ministry of Health, Dr Sam Okware said the pots used for storing drinking water in Madi-Opei Sub-county are contaminated with this virus so that their use should be stopped.
Dr Okware was addressing journalists during a media workshop organised by the Ministry in Kampala on Monday. The workshop focused on how to improve health communication and reporting during the outbreak of epidemics, the role of observing and studying diseases, and challenges in diagnosing and managing epidemics like cholera among others.
"All pots here are contaminated with this virus and we have discouraged their use in the four parishes of Madi -Opei Sub -county where Hepatitis E cases have been identified," Dr Okware said.
He said pots are contaminated when a mug which is dipped into the pot is contaminated with this matter.
He, however, said the Ministry is collaborating with NGOs to treat water and also provide the affected communities with jerry cans for storing water.
Dr Okware said the lining of a jerry can may not sustain the virus for a long time. Public education is going on to sensitize the masses on how to prevent the disease.
He said since the epidemic hit the district last November, a total of 413 people have been affected11 of whom have died. Dr Okware said nine out of the dead were pregnant women.
The mothers are affected the most because of the low immunity.
He said the endemic is suspected to have originated from South Sudan where it has existed for a long time. He said cross border epidemics are becoming rampant in Uganda.
Dr Okware urged district directors of health services in border towns to conduct regular meetings continually with their counterparts in the neighboring countries so that they can get together to control health problems like cholera and measles among others.