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Source: http://www.observer.ug/index.php?op...ke-years-of-research&catid=34:news&Itemid=114
Nodding disease: Unlocking it will take years of research
Sunday, 05 February 2012 22:39
Written by Kakaire Ayub Kirunda
Dr. Monday Busuulwa is a medical epidemiologist with the African Field Epidemiology Network (AFENET).
He is part of the multi-disciplinary team that is investigating the Nodding Disease outbreak that has claimed hundreds of lives in northern Uganda since 2009. Kakaire Ayub Kirunda spoke to him about the ongoing investigations and the science of investigating diseases. Below are excerpts:
Why has it taken long to know what causes Nodding Disease and how it spreads?
Nodding Disease is a relatively new medical condition whose occurrence is sporadic. The disease has previously been reported in some African countries such as South Sudan, Tanzania and Liberia, according to available literature. It is an emerging disease and this means that its cause has not yet been fully established by the medical world, but is currently under investigation. Nodding disease presents with brief rhythmic chin to chest movements of the head (nodding) which are triggered by the sight of food.
Then it is followed by loss of consciousness and convulsions. Over time, people with this disease suffer mental and physical retardation, as well as malnutrition. Important to note is that nodding disease is not contagious. But all I can say is that everything is being done to understand what within the body causes this condition.
Talking of fits, is this a new form of epilepsy as has been reported?...
Nodding disease: Unlocking it will take years of research
Sunday, 05 February 2012 22:39
Written by Kakaire Ayub Kirunda
Dr. Monday Busuulwa is a medical epidemiologist with the African Field Epidemiology Network (AFENET).
He is part of the multi-disciplinary team that is investigating the Nodding Disease outbreak that has claimed hundreds of lives in northern Uganda since 2009. Kakaire Ayub Kirunda spoke to him about the ongoing investigations and the science of investigating diseases. Below are excerpts:
Why has it taken long to know what causes Nodding Disease and how it spreads?
Nodding Disease is a relatively new medical condition whose occurrence is sporadic. The disease has previously been reported in some African countries such as South Sudan, Tanzania and Liberia, according to available literature. It is an emerging disease and this means that its cause has not yet been fully established by the medical world, but is currently under investigation. Nodding disease presents with brief rhythmic chin to chest movements of the head (nodding) which are triggered by the sight of food.
Then it is followed by loss of consciousness and convulsions. Over time, people with this disease suffer mental and physical retardation, as well as malnutrition. Important to note is that nodding disease is not contagious. But all I can say is that everything is being done to understand what within the body causes this condition.
Talking of fits, is this a new form of epilepsy as has been reported?...