Kampala — THE Government has warned that Uganda has been hit by an unusual strain of cholera that has killed 56 people and infected 2,200 others in 11 districts.

The health ministry yesterday warned the public to promptly bury the dead. It said the strain was very lethal if prompt treatment was not sought.

The acting director general of health services, Dr. Sam Zaramba yesterday said the present epidemic was caused by an unusual strain that had not been commonly seen in Uganda.

Meanwhile, the World Health Organisation has warned that malaria is endemic in 95% of Uganda with the remaining 5% of the country, mainly the highland areas defined as epidemic prone. The study warned that 93% of the population was at risk of malaria, while the disease contributes 39% of outpatient attendance and 35% of inpatient admission in Ugandan hospitals.