In Uganda, over 300 individuals, mainly women and children, have contracted the enigmatic Dinga-Dinga virus, with the Bundibugyo district reporting the most cases. The illness first appeared in 2023, and the Ugandan government has been probing its origins and impact since then.
As reported by the news agency Monitor, the virus induces intense shaking in those infected, making it seem as if the person is dancing. In extreme cases, the virus can result in paralysis.
Kiita Christopher, the district health officer of Bundibugyo, confirmed that there have been no virus-related deaths reported to date. He advised people to seek medical help immediately. Those infected are receiving antibiotic treatment at local government hospitals, with recovery usually taking around a week.
Nevertheless, Kiita rejected the use of herbal treatments, emphasizing the lack of scientific proof of their effectiveness. He encouraged the public to depend on medications prescribed by the district health department.
To curb further transmission, health officials have recommended maintaining hygiene and avoiding contact with infected persons. Currently, Bundibugyo is the only district with confirmed cases, although samples from other regions are being examined.
The virus symptoms are being likened to the 'Dancing Plague' of 1518 in France, during which individuals suffered from uncontrollable shaking for days, occasionally resulting in death from exhaustion.
While the virus has not been given a scientific name, it is commonly known as 'Dinga Dinga,' a phrase that captures the severe shaking reminiscent of dancing. An 18-year-old patient, who has since recovered, recounted his ordeal, explaining that even though he was paralyzed, his body kept shaking uncontrollably.
In the Democratic Republic of Congo, a different enigmatic illness has resulted in the deaths of 143 individuals, primarily women and children. This disease exhibits symptoms similar to severe flu, such as fever, headache, and coughing.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has labeled it 'Disease X' due to a lack of comprehensive data for full analysis. Most of the victims have been young children, with the first cases reported in October. WHO is still collecting information to better understand the virus.