Two diagnosed with Rift Valley fever in Kabale

The Ministry of Health has instituted a task force to combat an outbreak of Rift Valley Fever in Kabale district.

This comes after two people in Kabale town council were diagnosed with the disease and referred to Kabale Regional Referral Hospital for treatment while three other cases have so far been identified in the same area.

Dr. Ruth Aceng the director general of health services in the ministry said the task force is comprised of experts from the ministries of health, agriculture and animal husbandry in addition to the Uganda Wildlife authority.

"The multi-sectorial task force has boosted surveillance programs in Kabale, Rwanda and DRC borders. So far a total of 59 animal and 11 human samples have been collected for testing at the Uganda Virus Research Institute" Aceng said.

Aceng urged the public to report suspected cases to authorities. Photo by Peter Busomoke

Aceng noted that the disease is an acute fever that is transmitted by mosquitoes during the rainy season and affects animals such as cattle, sheep, goats, and buffaloes.

The disease presents symptoms of fever, general weakness, back pain, dizziness and weight loss at the onset of the illness.

"We urge the general public to report any suspected patient or sick animal to a nearby health facility or veterinary clinic respectively" Aceng added.

Dr. Kawuta Nicholas who is in charge of animal resources in the ministry of agriculture noted that the ministry will not consider the quarantine of animals in the district until they find enough evidence to show that the outbreak is linked to animals.