A strange illness called ‘Dinga Dinga’ has left people in Uganda’s Bundibugyo district confused and worried. Affecting mostly women and girls, this condition causes uncontrollable body shaking that resembles dancing, along with other symptoms like fever and extreme weakness. Here is what we know about this mysterious illness.
How are doctors saying?
Health officials are working hard to understand and manage the disease. Samples from patients have been sent to Uganda’s Ministry of Health for detailed analysis.
Doctors in the area are treating patients with antibiotics, and the results are quite promising. Dr Kiyita Christopher, the district health officer, emphasised that most patients recover within a week after receiving medical care.
He further added, “There is no scientific evidence that herbal medicine can treat this disease. We are using specific treatments, and patients usually recover within a week. I urge locals to seek treatment from health facilities within the district.”
So far, around 300 cases have been reported in Bundibugyo. Fortunately, no deaths have occurred, and most patients recover within a week with proper treatment.
What is causing Dinga Dinga illness?
The exact cause of the illness is still not discovered. Some experts speculate that it could be caused by a virus, while others think environmental factors may play a role. However, no definitive answers have been found so far.
Interestingly, some have compared Dinga Dinga to the “Dancing Plague” of 1518 in Strasbourg, France. During that event, people reportedly danced uncontrollably for days, and some even died from exhaustion. While there are similarities, the cause of Dinga Dinga remains unclear.
What are the symptoms of the Dinga Dinga virus?
Below are the Dinga Dinga symptoms reported:
Uncontrollable shaking: Excessive and uncontrollable movements of the body, similar to dancing, are the most noticeable signs.
Fever and fatigue: Many patients report high fever and feel too weak to perform daily activities.
Mobility issues: Some individuals find it almost impossible to walk, experiencing symptoms like paralysis.
