A strange epidemic, still unidentified by medics has hit Ibanda district in western Uganda, killing five people.
Tension gripped locals of Rwensambya Keihangara in Ibanda district last week after news emerged of the outbreak.
The ailment which has claimed 5 and 4 people still being seeking treatment, has signs of nodding disease that was previously reported in northern Uganda.
The disease has so far claimed five lives, while four are stealing seeking for cure
The deceased are all family members and have been identified as Christine Ninsiima 4, Erikadi Kagwabusa, Julius Gumisiriza, Edward Mugisha, and Agnes Kyokunda.
Fred Karuhanga 42, who is still battling the epidemic, told Chimpreports that his father died of a similar illness.
He said that his children have dropped from school including his son Herbert Akankwasa who was studying at Rwensambya primary school, after he started developing signs.
The disease attacks mainly children according to district health officers
Efforts by family members to seek cure from Ibanda Hospital in Kagongo as well as traditional healers have remained futile.
Dr. Julius Bamwine who is in charge of health in Ibanda district said that doctors are ignorant about disease since no one has ever reported of this disease in the area.
The disease in its advanced stages renders the patients motionless and speechless
Julius suspects it to be a nodding disease since it has similar signs and symptoms, and affects mostly children.
He said that together with the medical team, they were still trying to establish this disease before it becomes a menace in the district.