KAMPALA, Sept 12 (Reuters) - The death toll for highly infectious hepatitis E has risen to at least 110 people with 7,100 more infected since last year's outbreak began in northern Uganda, an aid agency said on Friday.

"Despite aggressive emergency interventions over the past 11 months, the outbreak has yet to be eradicated and its elimination will only be achieved with comprehensive, long-term investment in essential services," the International Rescue Committee (IRC) said.

"It's almost one year since the first case of Hepatitis E was reported in Kitgum District, northern Uganda: a disease that has since infected more than 7,100 people and killed at least 110," it said in a statement.

Hepatitis E is similar to hepatitis A, and is usually transmitted via contaminated food.

"We have a situation where thousands of displaced people are returning to villages that lack sufficient sanitation, clean drinking water and basic healthcare services," IRC said.

Some 2 million people fled their homes in northern Uganda and tens of thousands died in a two-decade rebellion by the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA). Since a truce between Uganda and rebels two years ago, many have begun returning home. (Reporting by Jack Kimball)

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