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WEEKLY BULLETIN ON OUTBREAKS
AND OTHER EMERGENCIES
Week 49: 04 -10 December 2023
Data as reported by: 17:00; 10 December 2023
...
Uganda
Anthrax
41 Cases
2 Deaths
4.1% CFR
EVENT DESCRIPTION
From June 2023, Kyotera district in Uganda reported 24
animal deaths suspected of Anthrax. Local communities
allegedly consumed meat from an infected animal, and
35 people experienced symptoms like itching, rash, and
skin lesions. By 19 November, at least 12 people had
died from these symptoms. As of 3 December, 38 human
samples were collected and tested by Uganda Virus
Research Institute, and Bacillus anthracis (Anthrax) was
confirmed in one sample through a positive PCR test in
three of the collected human samples.
On 27 July, 2023, samples were picked from a 42-yearold casual
labourer in Kapkwich village in Kween district,
and sent to Arua reference laboratory. On 01 August
2023, laboratory results from UVRI confi rmed the case
positive for Anthrax.
As of 5 December 2023, in Uganda, human Anthrax
outbreaks have been reported in three districts; Kyotera
with a total of 35 cases (3 confirmed, 7 probable and 25
suspected case), Kween with 5 cases (3 confirmed and
2 suspected) and 0 death, and Ibanda with 9 cases (5
confirmed cases with 0 death).
PUBLIC HEALTH ACTIONS
To combat Anthrax, comprehensive measures are being
implemented at both health facilities and the community
level as the outbreak is unfolding.
Coordination at national and district level has been
strengthened through different functions across the
task force and rapid response teams.
Surveillance and laboratory activities on tracing
cases, testing and verifi cation is ongoing
Capacity building through virtual training for all
laboratory teams in affected districts was conducted
Case management in health institutions and safe
disposal of carcasses in health institutions and
communities for hospitalised and home-based care
patients have been reinforced by the Ministry of
Health.
Risk communication and social mobilization through
engagement at subcounty, district and national level
to raise awareness and encourage sample collection
is ongoing
SITUATION INTERPRETATION
Uganda reported an increase in Anthrax cases since
17 October 2023, with all affected people exhibiting
symptoms consistent with anthrax. The anthrax outbreak is
facing numerous challenges, including limited resources
for vaccination teams, and limited community cooperation
despite extensive public awareness efforts. The Ministry of
Health in Uganda, along with its partners should therefore
ensure proper provision of vaccines for both animals and
people, availability of drugs, and insufficient healthcare
worker capacity to manage rare diseases.
...
https://iris.who.int/bitstream/handl...0410122023.pdf
AND OTHER EMERGENCIES
Week 49: 04 -10 December 2023
Data as reported by: 17:00; 10 December 2023
...
Uganda
Anthrax
41 Cases
2 Deaths
4.1% CFR
EVENT DESCRIPTION
From June 2023, Kyotera district in Uganda reported 24
animal deaths suspected of Anthrax. Local communities
allegedly consumed meat from an infected animal, and
35 people experienced symptoms like itching, rash, and
skin lesions. By 19 November, at least 12 people had
died from these symptoms. As of 3 December, 38 human
samples were collected and tested by Uganda Virus
Research Institute, and Bacillus anthracis (Anthrax) was
confirmed in one sample through a positive PCR test in
three of the collected human samples.
On 27 July, 2023, samples were picked from a 42-yearold casual
labourer in Kapkwich village in Kween district,
and sent to Arua reference laboratory. On 01 August
2023, laboratory results from UVRI confi rmed the case
positive for Anthrax.
As of 5 December 2023, in Uganda, human Anthrax
outbreaks have been reported in three districts; Kyotera
with a total of 35 cases (3 confirmed, 7 probable and 25
suspected case), Kween with 5 cases (3 confirmed and
2 suspected) and 0 death, and Ibanda with 9 cases (5
confirmed cases with 0 death).
PUBLIC HEALTH ACTIONS
To combat Anthrax, comprehensive measures are being
implemented at both health facilities and the community
level as the outbreak is unfolding.
Coordination at national and district level has been
strengthened through different functions across the
task force and rapid response teams.
Surveillance and laboratory activities on tracing
cases, testing and verifi cation is ongoing
Capacity building through virtual training for all
laboratory teams in affected districts was conducted
Case management in health institutions and safe
disposal of carcasses in health institutions and
communities for hospitalised and home-based care
patients have been reinforced by the Ministry of
Health.
Risk communication and social mobilization through
engagement at subcounty, district and national level
to raise awareness and encourage sample collection
is ongoing
SITUATION INTERPRETATION
Uganda reported an increase in Anthrax cases since
17 October 2023, with all affected people exhibiting
symptoms consistent with anthrax. The anthrax outbreak is
facing numerous challenges, including limited resources
for vaccination teams, and limited community cooperation
despite extensive public awareness efforts. The Ministry of
Health in Uganda, along with its partners should therefore
ensure proper provision of vaccines for both animals and
people, availability of drugs, and insufficient healthcare
worker capacity to manage rare diseases.
...
https://iris.who.int/bitstream/handl...0410122023.pdf
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