A mysterious illness dubbed “Dinga Dinga,” meaning “shaking like dancing,” is spreading rapidly in Uganda’s Bundibugyo district, primarily affecting women and girls.
The disease, characterized by severe involuntary shaking, high fever, extreme weakness, and, in some cases, temporary paralysis, has caused alarm among residents and health officials. Approximately 300 cases have been reported so far, but no fatalities have occurred.
Health authorities are actively investigating the outbreak to determine its cause. Dr. Kiyita Christopher, the District Health Officer, noted that while no specific treatment or vaccine is available, most patients recover within a week when treated with antibiotics.
Samples from affected individuals have been sent to the Ugandan Ministry of Health for analysis, and officials are urging the public to seek immediate medical attention instead of relying on unverified herbal remedies.
Public health campaigns have been launched to raise awareness of the symptoms and emphasize the importance of prompt medical care.
The illness has drawn comparisons to the historic “Dancing Plague” of 1518, in which individuals experienced uncontrollable dancing movements, though the two conditions are unrelated.
The outbreak is being closely monitored by global health organizations, particularly as the region faces additional health challenges, including a recent outbreak of an unidentified illness in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Health officials stress the importance of early intervention and caution residents against self-treatment with unverified remedies.
