Five dead, nine hospitalised in suspected Sheema anthrax outbreak
“Samples have been taken to government laboratories for confirmation, but all signs point to a case of anthrax,” Orikunda said in a statement.
The district veterinary officer, Dr Joseph Amanya, said health and veterinary teams are monitoring those affected and tracing people who may have handled or consumed the suspected contaminated meat. (Photo by Bruno Mugizi)
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Five people have died, and nine others are receiving treatment in critical condition after consuming meat from a cow suspected to have died of anthrax in Nshungyezi cell, Kashozi division, Sheema municipality.
District authorities have launched a response by deploying a team to investigate the suspected outbreak, support affected residents and prevent the disease from spreading.
The Sheema deputy resident district commissioner (RDC), Sam Orikunda, said the District Outbreak Disease Response Task Force is coordinating efforts involving health, veterinary and security teams.
“Samples have been taken to government laboratories for confirmation, but all signs point to a case of anthrax,” Orikunda said in a statement.
Victims ate meat from dead cow
The district veterinary officer, Dr Joseph Amanya, said health and veterinary teams are monitoring those affected and tracing people who may have handled or consumed the suspected contaminated meat.
“We have intensified surveillance and community sensitisation in Nshungyezi and neighbouring areas, with health, veterinary, and security teams working together to prevent further infections,” Dr Amanya said.
He advised residents to avoid handling or eating meat from animals that die suddenly and urged them to immediately report suspected cases of sick or dead livestock to veterinary authorities.
Victims referred to Mulago
Orikunda said the nine survivors have been admitted to Mulago National Referral Hospital in critical condition for specialised treatment.
“We appeal to our people to stop eating meat from dead animals and only buy meat from gazetted slaughter places,” Orikunda said.
About anthrax
Anthrax is a bacterial disease caused by Bacillus anthracis, which primarily affects animals but can also infect humans.
People can contract anthrax by handling infected animals, coming into contact with contaminated animal products, or eating meat from infected animals that has not been inspected or properly cooked.
In humans, anthrax may present with symptoms including fever, weakness, vomiting, difficulty breathing and skin sores that can develop into black-coloured wounds. Without early treatment, severe cases can lead to death.