By Hillary Keingana
SHEEMA; There is panic across Sheema District and in the neighboring districts following the death of five people who are alleged to have consumed meat from a cow suspected to have been infected with anthrax.
The district authorities have also confirmed that several other people have been hospitalized. The most affected cell is Nshungyezi, Kashozi Division in Sheema Municipality.
In a statement released by the District Resident District Commissioner, Sam Orikunda, the District Outbreak Disease Response Task Force (by press time) was in session to coordinate the response after receiving reports from the affected community.
Orikunda explained that, “Samples have been taken to government laboratories to confirm, but all signs point to a case of anthrax.”
The RDC said that the victims ate meat from a dead cow explaining that the Health teams are monitoring those who were admitted to hospital, while surveillance has been heightened in Nshungyezi and the surrounding villages.
The outbreak has been complicated by resistance from some members of the community. Mr. Orikunda noted that residents of Nshungyezi initially tried to conceal information about the incident, citing a long-standing tradition of eating meat from animals that die.
“We are appealing to our people to avoid eating meat from dead animals and to only buy meat from gazetted slaughter places,” the RDC urged. “This is for the safety of everyone.”
Anthrax is a bacterial disease that can be transmitted to humans through contact with infected animals or by consuming contaminated animal products. Symptoms can be severe and the disease can be fatal if not treated promptly.
District health officials, together with veterinary and security teams, are conducting community sensitization in Kashozi Division. They are also tracing all people who may have handled or eaten the meat.
The task force says it will release more details once laboratory results are returned from government facilities.
Residents with information about sick animals or anyone showing symptoms such as fever, sores, or difficulty breathing have been advised to report immediately to the nearest health facility or local authorities. End.
