Scabies has infested some parts of Masindi district failing pupils to attend classes.
The Budongo Sub-county LC 3 chairman, Mr Kenneth Kiiza Nyendwoha told our reporter today that the disease has affected four villages in the sub-county.
He identified the villages as Abangi, Onin, Bisaju and Ogadra all in Budongo sub-county.
The chairman said the disease has mainly affected pupils of Kasenene primary school adding that the infestation is spreading rapidly in the area.
Mr Nyendwoha said the disease was identified in the sub-county three weeks ago adding that if it is not tackled urgently, it will spread to neighbouring villages.
“Budongo sub-county has committed between Shs500,000 to Sh900,000 for treatment and sensitisation,” he said.
When contacted, the acting Masindi District Health Officer, Mr Patrick Baguma, confirmed the infestation adding that a health surveillance team was on Wednesday dispatched to the affected villages to ascertain the magnitude of health effects it has caused to the people.
However, he disclosed that currently, the district does not have any money to tackle the infestation though drugs will be availed by Monday to supplement the sub-county efforts.
Mr Baguma advised people to maintain a high degree of hygiene since the infestation is caused by poor personal hygiene.
Causes of scabies
According to www.healthline.com, scabies is a skin infestation caused by a mite known as Sarcoptes Scabiei. Untreated, these microscopic mites can live on the human skin for months. They reproduce on the surface of the skin and then burrow into it and lay eggs. This causes any itchy, red rash to form on the skin.
Prevention of scabies
Scabies is prevented by avoiding direct skin-to-skin contact with an infected person or with items such as clothing or bedding used by an infected person. Treatment usually is recommended for members of the same household, particularly for those who have had prolonged skin-to-skin contact.
