Mysterious 'dinga dinga' illness causing body shaking affects 300 in Uganda

A new and unexplained illness, known locally as 'Dinga Dinga'—which means 'shaking like dancing'—has affected around 300 individuals, primarily women and girls, in Uganda’s Bundibugyo district.

The condition is marked by high fever, uncontrollable shaking, and significant difficulty in movement. Those who have contracted the illness report trembling throughout their bodies, severe weakness, and in some cases, even paralysis. Walking becomes nearly impossible for many, as the shaking makes mobility extremely difficult.

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Ugandan health officials have launched an investigation into the cause of this unusual illness. While no deaths have been reported, experts stress the importance of early medical attention.

Treatment so far consists of antibiotics provided by community health teams, with most patients recovering within a week. Dr. Kiyita Christopher, the district health officer, cautioned against the use of herbal remedies, noting that there is no scientific evidence supporting their effectiveness for this disease. He also urged residents to seek care at district health centers for proper treatment.

Health authorities have advised people to maintain good hygiene, avoid close contact with those who are infected, and report any new cases promptly to local health teams to prevent further spread.

No cases have been reported outside Bundibugyo at this time. Samples from those affected have been sent to Uganda's Ministry of Health for further testing, but an official diagnosis has not yet been determined.

The situation has sparked comparisons to the infamous 'Dancing Plague' of 1518 in Strasbourg, France, where people were compelled to dance uncontrollably, sometimes leading to death by exhaustion.

In a similar vein, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is currently dealing with its own mysterious outbreak in the Panzi health zone. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there have been 394 cases and 30 fatalities so far.

Symptoms include fever, headache, body aches, cough, and a runny nose. Investigations are ongoing to determine whether the illness is linked to common respiratory infections like influenza, COVID-19, malaria, or measles. Authorities have also considered the possibility that it could be a new, unidentified illness, sometimes referred to as "Disease X."