Written By | Jovita Hasto
All the three confirmed cases are men aged between 17 and 36 years with cutaneous anthrax, and they are receiving treatment at Ntara Health Centre IV
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KITAGWENDA
Authorities in Kitagwenda District have confirmed an outbreak of anthrax after residents in Buhanda Sub-county and Kabujogera Town Council consumed meat from infected animals that had died and were slaughtered earlier this month. So far, three cases have been confirmed by the district team, and the patients are being managed at Ntara Health Centre IV.
Dr Irene Kahimakazi, the Acting District Health Officer for Kitagwenda District Local Government, said that the confirmed cases are among adults aged between 17 and 36 years.
"All the three confirmed cases are men aged between 17 and 36 years with cutaneous anthrax, and they are receiving treatment at Ntara Health Centre IV. They consumed meat from dead animals on six farms in Buhanda Sub-county, while other cases are being registered in Kabujogera Town Council," she said.
Dr Kahimakazi added that the health team has started moving from home to home as one of the measures to contain the situation and identify suspected cases that may not have been reported.
"We are now moving in areas where suspected animals were slaughtered so that we can find ways of combating the outbreak. More investigations are ongoing, and we shall work together with Fort Portal Regional Referral Hospital," she added.
An anthrax Victim shows his hands
As measures are being implemented to prevent further spread of the outbreak, the district security team has also issued directives to be followed.
Mr Benjamin Tumusiime, the Deputy Resident District Commissioner, explained that restaurants and butcheries have been advised to stop selling meat.
Movement of animals in the area has also been restricted across Kitagwenda District.
"We are here to ensure that security measures are adhered to. No one is allowed to move animals from one sub-county to another. Even restaurants are not allowed to prepare meat," he said.
He further stated that the intelligence team is on the ground to control the movement of animals from neighbouring districts to prevent contact between infected and uninfected animals.
"We have instructed the DPC to deploy patrols along routes used to transport animals heading to Kasese and DR Congo. These will work with the DISOs to ensure that animals coming from Kazo or Ibanda follow our guidelines, because we want to control the outbreak quickly," Mr Tumusiime said.
The public has been advised to report any information related to anthrax and to refrain from eating meat from dead animals.
"To the communities, when an animal dies, do not treat it as an opportunity for feasting because it will cost your health. We urge the community to remain vigilant and comply with measures put in place to stop the spread," Mr Tumusiime added.
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