"Body Trembles Like Dancing"... The 'Dingadinga' Disease Trending in Uganda

Difficulty Walking Due to Excessive Body Tremors
No Deaths Reported Yet

Recently, a new disease characterized by whole-body tremors resembling dancing has been spreading in Uganda, Africa.

On the 15th (local time), foreign media including the Daily Mail reported that a new disease called 'Dingadinga' is spreading mainly among women and girls in the Bundibugyo district in western Uganda. 'Dingadinga' means 'trembling as if dancing' in the local language, and those suffering from this disease reportedly have difficulty walking due to excessive body tremors.

The so-called 'Dingadinga' disease is spreading in Uganda, Africa. Daily Mail

Dr. Kiita Christopher, the health officer of Bundibugyo district, stated that the Dingadinga disease was first reported in early 2023, and there have been no cases reported outside the Bundibugyo district. He mentioned that most patients' symptoms improve within a week, but if recovery does not occur, medical treatment at healthcare facilities is recommended.

In particular, Dr. Christopher warned against relying on unscientific folk remedies as epidemiological investigations into the patterns of occurrence, transmission routes, and causes are still ongoing. According to local health authorities, about 300 people have suffered from Dingadinga, and no deaths related to this disease have been reported so far.

Patience Katushime (18), a local woman who had Dingadinga, said, "It felt like my body was paralyzed. Every time I walked, my body trembled uncontrollably." She added, "I was transferred to Bundibugyo General Hospital for treatment, and fortunately, I am fine now."

A new type of disease, commonly called 'Dingadinga,' is spreading. Uganda Special Tours

Meanwhile, the media pointed out, "This occurred just a few months after reports of Mpox (monkeypox) outbreaks in Uganda and other East African countries."

Earlier, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared Mpox, which has been rapidly spreading mainly in Africa since August, a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) and warned of the possibility of a global resurgence. The emergency declaration is the highest level of alert issued by WHO regarding an epidemic disease. The Mpox outbreak, which was centered in the Democratic Republic of Congo at the time, has recently spread to eastern African countries such as Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda.