FIVE people have died and over 500 hospitalised in special treatment camps in the Ikungi District, Singida Region due to a cholera outbreak that began in July and continued through October.

Dr Emanueli Kikoti, Ikungi District acting medical officer told journalists here yesterday that the cases are high in Kaugeri, Mduguyu and Ufana Villages.

In response to the outbreak, the local government established special treatment camps in these areas as a precautionary measure.

According to Dr Kikoti, of the 500 patients diagnosed since the outbreak began, three have succumbed to the disease.

He attributed the fatalities to a lack of public awareness about the treatment camps and their crucial role in recovery.

“The cholera outbreak was first identified in Kaugeri Village in Mwaru Ward. While we managed to contain it there initially, subsequent cases emerged in Mgungira Ward, leading to the current total of 500 cases,” Dr Kikoti said.

He outlined several measures being implemented to curb the disease, including suspending fishing activities in the reservoir located in Mgungira Ward, encouraging households to construct and utilize latrines, and promoting environmental hygiene.

However, Dr Kikoti noted that some patients delayed seeking treatment, either opting for traditional remedies or not visiting the camps at all.

Ally Juma Mwanga, Ikungi District Council chairman, reported a dramatic increase in cholera cases, rising from six to 500.

He attributed the outbreak to inadequate latrine access and poor sanitation practices.

“The number of patients has surged from six to 500, prompting us to convene with district leaders to address this critical public health issue. Most people in this area lack proper latrines, so we have implemented strategies, including temporarily closing the fish reservoir,” Mwanga said.

Iddi Athumani Makangale, the Mwaru Ward Councillor, acknowledged the limited fatalities but confirmed that two individuals have died from cholera.

“We are actively educating the community on the importance of using latrines. There is some reluctance rooted in cultural beliefs, with some fathers, sons, or in-laws unwilling to share the same latrine,” Makangale said.

Elisante Ngura, a healthcare provider at the patient camp in Ufana Village, reported that they initially admitted 11 patients, later bringing the total to 14.

Of the 14, six have recovered and been discharged, while eight others are showing good progress.