A strange illness has been spreading in Uganda, affecting around 300 people, and it’s leaving health experts puzzled. The illness is called “Dinga Dinga,” which means “shaking like dancing” in the local language. It gets its name from the unusual symptoms it causes—fever and uncontrollable shaking that makes it hard for people to walk.
This mysterious disease first appeared last year in the southwestern Bundibugyo District, which borders the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Most of the people affected by Dinga Dinga are women and girls, but the reason for this is still unclear. Thankfully, no one has died from it yet.
District Health Officer Kiyita Christopher says the disease usually heals on its own, but doctors are able to help with antibiotics if needed. Despite this, he warned people not to rely on traditional medicine, as there’s no proof that herbal remedies can cure the illness. He advised everyone to go to health facilities for proper treatment. Most people recover within a week, but the illness can leave people feeling weak and unable to move properly.
One young woman shared her experience of the disease. At 18, she felt weak and paralyzed when she caught Dinga Dinga. “My body was shaking uncontrollably whenever I tried to walk. It was very disturbing,” she said. After treatment at a hospital, she’s now doing fine.
Health officials are still working hard to figure out what’s causing the illness. They’ve sent samples from infected people to a lab for further tests, hoping to find out more. People are urged to stay calm, but doctors are closely monitoring the situation to ensure the disease doesn’t spread further.
