Daijiworld Media Network - Kampala
Kampala, Apr 11: Uganda's Ministry of Health has confirmed a fresh outbreak of anthrax in the northeastern and western regions of the country, resulting in three deaths and multiple hospitalisations, according to an official health situation update released on Friday.
The report highlights two fatalities in the western district of Buhweju one laboratory-confirmed case and one suspected along with 11 other suspected infections under observation. In the northeastern district of Moroto, a 45-year-old woman reportedly died after consuming meat from a cow that had died three days earlier. The contaminated meat was allegedly sold raw at the Chokolias community market in Apetawoi village.
"All the people who ate the meat, about 25 in number, fell ill with similar signs and symptoms, though less severe than the deceased," the ministry stated.
In addition, seven suspected cases have been recorded in the western district of Kabale, where health authorities are monitoring the situation closely, according to a report by Xinhua news agency.
The latest outbreak follows a similar incident in September last year in Kanungu district, southwestern Uganda, where at least three people died and over 43 infections were reported. That outbreak also led to the death of dozens of livestock, including 65 cattle, 10 goats, and three sheep, prompting a mass livestock vaccination campaign in the region.
Authorities had also imposed a quarantine on the sale of cattle, goats, sheep, pigs, and related animal products in Kanungu to contain the spread of the disease.
Anthrax, a serious bacterial infection caused by Bacillus anthracis, primarily affects herbivorous animals but can be transmitted to humans through contact with infected animals or consumption of contaminated animal products. According to the World Health Organisation, human infections can occur via skin contact, inhalation, or ingestion, with varying degrees of severity.
Uganda’s health ministry has urged the public to avoid consuming meat from animals that die under suspicious circumstances and to report any suspected cases to local authorities promptly. Efforts are underway to trace the source of infections and curb the spread through surveillance, treatment, and public awareness campaigns.