Health officials in eastern Uganda’s Busoga region have reported more than 19,000 confirmed malaria cases in a single week, alongside rising cases of typhoid fever and severe respiratory infections, according to a new epidemiological bulletin released by the Public Health Emergency Operations Centre at Jinja Regional Referral Hospital.
The week 18 bulletin, covering April 27 to May 3, said 56,388 of the 80,574 outpatient visits recorded across the region presented with suspected malaria symptoms, representing 70% of all outpatient attendance.
Health workers confirmed 19,164 malaria cases and reported one malaria-related death in Iganga district.
“Overall, in Busoga, 19,164 malaria cases were confirmed and one malaria-related death reported in Iganga district, highlighting the need to strengthen early diagnosis, treatment and vector control interventions across the region,” the bulletin stated.
Luuka district recorded the highest malaria positivity rate using rapid diagnostic tests at 55%, followed by Mayuge at 42% and Buyende at 39%.
The report warned that districts including Jinja City, Jinja district, Luuka, Kamuli, Mayuge and Buyende were recording high numbers of confirmed malaria cases and required stronger epidemic preparedness and community engagement efforts.
Beyond malaria, the region also recorded outbreaks of other epidemic-prone diseases. Health officials documented 281 typhoid fever cases, 205 severe acute respiratory infection (SARI) cases, 61 dysentery cases and 21 suspected rabies cases linked to animal bites.
Iganga district recorded the highest burden of typhoid fever with 127 cases, while Jinja City reported 69 SARI cases. Namayingo district registered 41 typhoid cases and 40 SARI cases.
The bulletin also noted 14 suspected measles cases and two adverse events following immunization that are under investigation.
Tuberculosis screening remained high across the region, with 76,590 people — representing 95% of all outpatient clients — screened for TB during the reporting week. Of the 1,104 presumed TB cases identified, 80 tested positive.
A total of 79 TB patients were started on treatment and 156 contacts traced and screened, according to the report.
The bulletin further highlighted ongoing maternal and newborn health challenges. Since the beginning of 2026, the region has recorded 509 perinatal deaths and 24 maternal deaths.
“Macerated stillbirths predominated across all weeks, with peaks in week seven and week nine, indicating gaps in antenatal detection and timely care,” the report stated.
Officials also expressed concern over missed appointments for elimination of mother-to-child transmission of HIV services. Of the 521 expected mothers scheduled for appointments, 101 missed their visits, representing a 19% missed appointment rate. Namayingo district had the highest rate at 39%, followed by Iganga at 30% and Buyende at 27%.
Despite the disease burden, the region maintained adequate stocks of antimalarial medicines and HIV treatment commodities, according to the report.
