Jiggers ravage Kaabong

Kaabong- A jigger epidemic has broken out in Kaabong District in Karamoja sub-region, leaving scores of people infested with the parasite.

Mr Joseph Komol Midi, the district chairperson, said the jiggers have affected the most vulnerable persons such as the elderly and children.

He identified the affected sub-counties as Kapedo, Sidok, Kathile, Karenga, Lobalangit, Kalapata, Lolelia and Kaabong Town Council.

He said Sidok Sub-county is the worst affected. “People are grounded inside their houses and they can’t come out to look for food for themselves because jiggers have affected mainly their feet, fingers and buttocks,” he said.

The Kaabong District health director, Dr Sharif Nalibe, confirmed the jigger outbreak and said the health department was working hard to resolve the situation.
He said the health department was still carrying out surveys to establish the actual number of people affected.

He attributed the jigger epidemic to poor personal hygiene, poverty and sharing houses with animals.

“Our people treat animals more or less like babies to the extent of sharing houses with animals. This has caused jigger outbreak,” he said.