Five people in Ibanda district have been hospitalized due to suspected anthrax contamination from consumed meat.
The five patients are residents of Rugaaga I & IV in Rugaaga, and Rwensambya village in Keihangara sub-counties. They are currently admitted to Ibanda Hospital for treatment.
Anthrax is a zoonotic disease caused by Bacillus anthracis, a spore-forming bacterium. It is non-contagious and primarily affects wild and domestic animals, including cattle, sheep, goats, camels, and antelopes. Humans can contract anthrax through contact with contaminated animal carcasses or products such as milk and meat.
Vincent Mugisha, the Ibanda District Surveillance Officer, received information from the in-charge of Kicence Health Center III regarding two individuals displaying symptoms of anthrax. Additionally, three more cases with similar symptoms were reported at Keihagara Health Center.
Mugisha explained that they collected blood samples from animals and the affected individuals and dispatched them for testing to confirm the presence of anthrax. If the disease is confirmed, Mugisha explained that it might have originated from Kiruhura, a district with which they share animal markets and grazing farms. Kiruhura shares a border with Lake Mburo National Park.
Godard Serushuba, the LC I Chairperson of Rugaaga IV Cell, revealed that the affected individuals had consumed the meat of cows that died without exhibiting any signs of illness. Meat dealers purchased the carcasses inexpensively and transported them to other sub-counties, where they sold the meat at a low price. Subsequently, those who consumed the meat developed skin sores and experienced vomiting.