Written By | BK Mugizi
District authorities have begun responding to the suspected outbreak by deploying a team to investigate the cases, support the affected people, and prevent the disease from spreading further.
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SHEEMA
Five people have died, and nine others are receiving treatment in critical condition after consuming meat from a cow suspected to have died from anthrax in Nshungyezi Cell, Kashozi Division, Sheema Municipality, Sheema District.
District authorities have begun responding to the suspected outbreak by deploying a team to investigate the cases, support the affected people, and prevent the disease from spreading further.
The Sheema District Deputy Resident 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 a Dead Cow
According to authorities, the victims consumed meat from a cow that died under unclear circumstances, contrary to public health guidelines, which discourage eating meat from animals that die suddenly or without veterinary inspection.
The District Veterinary Officer, Dr Joseph Amanya, said health and veterinary teams are monitoring the affected individuals 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 further management.
He expressed concern over what he described as a delay in reporting the incident, saying some community members initially concealed information due to a cultural practice of consuming meat from animals that die naturally or from unknown causes.
"We appeal to our people to stop eating meat from dead animals and only buy meat from gazetted slaughterhouses," Orikunda said.
About Anthrax
Anthrax is a bacterial disease caused by Bacillus anthracis, a bacterium that mainly affects animals but can also infect humans.
Humans 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 such as fever, weakness, vomiting, difficulty breathing, and skin sores that can develop into black-coloured wounds. Without early treatment, severe cases can lead to death.
