Anthrax, FMD Breakout In Ankole Region
NEWS
By Admin ON JAN 26, 2024
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The two diseases have been reported and confirmed in the districts of Kiruhura, Mbarara, Kazo, Isingiro, Ibanda, and Sheema.
The outbreak of the two diseases was confirmed by both District Veterinary Officers and the Commissioner of Animal Husbandry in the Ministry of Agriculture Dr. Anna Rose Ademun.
In Ibanda district, Dr. Hilary Arinaitwe, the District Veterinary Officer confirmed the outbreak of Anthrax in Rukiri, Kaihangara Sub County, Rusheshe Sub County, Kagongo, and Bufunda division Ibanda South claiming the lives of people.
The disease was first noticed in November last year in Kaihangara where 9 suspects were admitted but 6 tested positive and two cows died. More cases were recorded in Mabonwa parish Rukiri Sub-county where one person was confirmed with anthrax and also they were following up with another 12 and two cows that died in Kigarama ward and Bisheshe division in Ibanda municipality.
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This week, Kazo District confirmed the outbreak of Anthrax, despite the struggle to contain foot and mouth disease that has kept the district under quarantine for the last two months. Anthrax was confirmed in Mirama village, Rwamuranga parish, Kazo Sub County.
According to the district production officer, John Baptist Asiimwe, seven samples were tested and four tested positive for this virus.
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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
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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.
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Uganda Anthrax outbreak DREF Operation MDRUG049
Format Situation Report SourcePosted 15 Dec 2023 Originally published 15 Dec 2023
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What happened, where and when?
Anthrax outbreak was confirmed on 29th November 2023 in Kabira, Kasasa and Lwankoni sub-counties in Kyotera district.
According to the district surveillance team, Kyotera district anthrax possibly started in June 2023 on a farm in Kkyamayembe Sub-County following the consumption of meat of a dead cow. The victims presented with various signs including itchy rash, swelling and skin lesions. In early July, the first human death was reported and 24 animal deaths by October 31,2023. The consumption of meat of the dead animals continued and 3 humans developed signs of the disease.
On November 17th, 2023, Kyotera district surveillance team in partnership with Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI) conducted a eld investigation in Kabira sub-county where the alerts were coming from. More samples were collected from several suspects, some of which tested positive leading to the national task force of the Ministry of Health to declare Anthrax outbreak in Kyotera a disaster, on the 29th of November 2023.
Cumulatively as of 3rd December: 25 suspects, 7 probable cases, 16 confirmed (with 13 fatalities) and 3 recoveries had been reported. The suspects were in the isolation facilities and the cases were in the treatment facility and some being managed under the home-based care program. Number of animal deaths rose to 50, however there is no information on the number of sick or suspected animals.
Kyotera district is located to the south of central Uganda region and borders Tanzania at Mutukula, a high-volume commercial boarder town and therefore if the disease was not controlled and maintained, it could have culminated to a regional spread. There was also a high probability of other cases not reported to health system.
Though the MoH had not yet informed on the type of anthrax being witnessed, WHO through a partners meeting indicated that some of the deaths could have been attributable to gastroenteric anthrax which has a higher CFR.
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Anthrax Crisis Grips Kyotera
Farish Magembe by Farish Magembe December 13, 2023 in News
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The severity of the outbreak became apparent when the last cow succumbed to Anthrax in Bukaala village, Ndolo ward, Kyotera District. The infected animal displayed severe symptoms, including bleeding, indicative of an advanced Anthrax infection. A poignant symbol of the growing impact of the disease was the digging of a seven-foot hole to bury the infected cow, marking a grim milestone in the village.
For many residents, Anthrax was a relatively unknown threat, and the rapid spread of the disease among the village’s livestock has caught them off guard. Local farmer Salongo Mugisha Enos expressed the alarming speed at which the disease claims its victims, often leading to the death of an animal within hours.
The dire situation has forced a complete halt in meat and milk consumption, significantly affecting farmers who rely on their livestock for sustenance. The town of Kakyanga has been particularly hard hit, with residents expressing devastation at the prospect of abstaining from meat during the festive season.
Tumwebaze Vicent, an assistant animal husbandry officer, acknowledged the challenges faced in combating the outbreak. He emphasized the need for collective efforts, expressing concern that some individuals continue to consume meat and dairy, hindering their containment efforts.
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https://nilepost.co.ug/2023/12/13/an...grips-kyotera/'
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Kyotera District Imposes Strict Ban on Cattle Movement Due to Anthrax
By The Ankole Times -December 7, 2023
A deadly anthrax outbreak has gripped Kabira Sub-county in Kyotera District, Uganda, causing alarm in the East African region. The sudden outbreak has resulted in the unfortunate demise of 17 people, triggering significant health concerns in the district and beyond.
The authorities have swiftly enforced a stringent ban on the movement and sale of cattle products in Kabira sub-county, a necessary measure to curb the disease’s spread. This has significantly impacted the region’s bustling cattle trade, bringing it to a standstill. Currently, 28 individuals are bedridden across several villages in Kabira, with medical professionals working tirelessly to manage the situation.
The quarantine will remain in effect until veterinary and medical professionals affirmatively declare the disease’s containment, ensuring the safety of the public and livestock alike. Apart from this, there is an anticipation of further steps from the authorities, including the likely vaccination of livestock and public awareness campaigns to educate the populace about the disease.
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Anthrax: Museveni cautions locals against eating dead animals
December 4, 2023 in News
By Ambrose Musasizi
President Museveni has cautioned residents in the districts of Rakai and Kyotera against eating meat when they are not sure about its source.
The President said such meat will expose them to anthrax which has already claimed 17 lives while 28 others are bedridden in several villages of Kabira Sub County in Kyotera District.
“I was informed about a disease known as Anthrax in these areas of Rakai and Kyotera. It catches people after they have eaten meat of an infected animal or touched a dead animal which is already sick ,” Mr Museveni said during the commemoration of the World Aids Day at Kiswaaga Village, Byakabanda Sub County in Rakai District last Friday.
The President however said since Anthrax is not contagious, it is the reason why the government maintained the venue of this year’s World Aids Day commemoration rather than shifting it to Kayunga District as it had been proposed five days prior to the event. At the function, meat was not served as the norm has been at most public functions in the area.
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Anthrax confirmed as ‘mystery’ disease behind deaths in Uganda
The outbreak, which has infected as many as 40, has seen patients suffer rashes and swollen limbs before dying
By Ben Farmer
29 November 2023 • 5:25pm
A mystery disease which has killed up to 17 people in Uganda has been confirmed as anthrax, health officials said.
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Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) earlier this week said anthrax had been ruled out, but local officials have now said tests found the bacterial infection typically infecting cows, sheep, and goats.
A number of cattle have also died during the outbreak and victims are thought to have caught the infection by eating contaminated meat.
Dr Edward Muwanga, Kyotera’s district health officer, told the Telegraph: “The disease has been confirmed as anthrax. So we now know what we’re dealing with.
“People started falling ill in October and we think they contracted the anthrax from eating carcasses of dead cows because 25 cattle have died of the disease in this area.”
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Pontiano Kalebu, the executive director of Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI) also said the mysterious disease had been confirmed in laboratory tests in Entebbe as anthrax.
“Yes, tests were carried out here and anthrax was confirmed from the samples,” he said.
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Uganda Grapples with Anthrax Outbreak: Urgent Measures Implemented as Death Toll Rises
Ingrid Jones
November 30, 2023
Uganda finds itself in the clutches of an Anthrax outbreak, with the central district of Kyotera bearing the brunt of this deadly bacterial disease. The Ugandan Health Ministry has officially confirmed the outbreak, reporting a chilling death toll of at least 17 individuals. The situation has prompted urgent action, with health authorities racing against time to contain the spread of the virus.
The alarming discovery unfolded when blood samples from three patients in a sub-county of Kyotera district tested positive for Anthrax at the Uganda Virus Research Institute. The virus, traditionally impacting livestock and wildlife, has now resulted in human fatalities, prompting immediate concerns and the need for urgent intervention.
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FROM AFP NEWS
Anthrax Outbreak In Uganda Kills 17 In November
By AFP - Agence France Presse
November 30, 2023
At least 17 people have died in an anthrax outbreak in southern Uganda this month, a local official told AFP Thursday, saying the situation was "under control".
Anthrax is spread through a bacterium that is encased in a tough, rod-shaped shell.
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The Ugandan outbreak occurred in Kyotera district, around 180 kilometres (112 miles) from the capital, Kampala, where 17 people have died in November, the district's health official Edward Muwanga told AFP.
He said that they were "suspected to have eaten meat from the farm where the animals had contracted anthrax".
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Fears grow over mystery illness that has killed at least 14 people in Uganda
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By Ben Farmer IN CAPE TOWN
27 November 2023 • 6:00pm
African health experts are urgently investigating a mystery disease outbreak in Uganda which has killed at least 14 people and seen some 40 fall ill.
The mystery disease is being probed by the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) and World Health Organisation (WHO) after doctors have so far been unable to identify it.
Those struck by the outbreak in Uganda’s Kyotera district have developed rashes on their skin and some had swollen limbs.
The disease appears to pass from animals to humans, and medics had at first suspected anthrax, a bacterial infection typically infecting cows, sheep, and goats.
But tests have now ruled out anthrax, said Dr Jean Kaseya, director-general of Africa CDC.
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He said: “We have a disease killing people, but we don’t know. We call it an unknown disease.
“But what we know is it is coming from animals, because at the same time in the same area, animals are dying.
“We conducted some studies, we were thinking towards anthrax, but it’s not anthrax, but for sure there is a linkage between animals and humans.”
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Kyotera Mystery Illness: Anthrax Ruled Out, Cause Still Unknown
By MIA ATUHAIRE 1 day ago
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Fresh samples obtained from individuals affected by a mysterious illness that struck Kabira Sub-county in Kyotera District a month ago have tested negative for anthrax, as confirmed by laboratory tests.
Dr. Edward Muwanga, the district health officer, revealed that blood samples were collected from two residents of Kyamayembe Village, Mr. Joseph Mazzi, 63, and Ms. Florence Namisango, 45, and sent to the Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI) in Entebbe on November 19. The subsequent test results on November 20 ruled out anthrax.
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Despite the negative anthrax results, reports from affected villages, including Kyamayembe, Bugera, Nakatoogo in Bwamijja Parish, and Mabaale, Kabutooke, and Kyanika in Kyanika Parish, indicate that over 30 people have contracted the mysterious disease, bringing the total to 40 patients. The death toll has risen from 12 to 14,
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Dr. Muwanga urged residents to undergo testing by medical professionals to identify the cause of the deaths. He also mentioned the focus on cellulitis disease, locally known as ‘ettalo,’ as a potential cause based on signs and symptoms.
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More cases recorded as Kyotera strange disease puzzles medic - total 40 cases and 14 deaths (as of Nov. 24th): https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/new...medics-4443826
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Health officials say cellulitis is most likely cause of illnesses in Kyotera
NTVUganda
1M subscribers
Nov 22, 2023 #NTVNews #NTVTonight #NTVWeekendEdition
Results from the Uganda Virus Research Institute have dismissed a suspected anthrax outbreak in Kyotera District, where 14 people have died under unclear circumstances. Samples taken from two individuals in Kyebambe village tested negative for the bacterial zoonotic infection. Kyotera District Health Officer, Dr. Edward Muwanga, mentioned that further investigations in Kabira sub-county have identified the presence of cellulitis and malaria, which could potentially account for the deaths.
Cellulitis is a profound skin infection caused by bacteria, typically affecting the arms and legs. Some instances of this illness constitute emergencies.
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Kyotera District Local Government
@KyoteraDistrict
Our teams from the Production department have today visited three farms & dismissed claims that anthrax has claimed several lives in Kabira S/C. Recent lab tests from @UVRIug also confirmed two tests negative of Anthrax. @MinofHealthUG is currently on ground.
9:46 AM · Nov 22, 2023
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Anthrax outbreak in Kyotera claims 14 lives
NTVUganda
Nov 21, 2023 #NTVNews #NTVTonight #NTVWeekendEdition
Kyotera District health officials are appealing to residents to dismiss reports of witchcraft following an anthrax outbreak in the area. The outbreak has claimed 14 lives over the last three months, with victims reportedly consuming infected beef. The affected area is primarily Kabira sub-county.
Transcript
a team from the D's office was dispatched to car out the preliminary investigation with the aim of finding out what could be the cause of death and the preliminary findings were the following found out that there were some Farms where animals had died and they were totaling about 22 of them uh the people who were dying also were present with the following signs and symptoms they had a fever they had a brista and selling of the Upper Limb which was progressing and were also developing difficulty in breathing and also headache having got those signs and symptoms and the history of the death of animals uh we contacted the emergency Operation Center Masa Ministry of Health and Ministry of Health and again another team was dispatched to that place samples have been taken off from two suspected cases who are still alive and as we talk the samples have been transported to campala for further investigation suspecting that these people may have been dying from atic disease which is called ARX we appeal to the community to become as we wait for the final uh results of these investigations because currently we just suspectingLeave a comment:
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Mysterious disease hits Uganda, kills 12 in Kyotera
Africa / November 21, 2023 nRE
Health leaders in Kyotera District are puzzled over a strange disease that has hit two villages in Kabira Sub-county, killing at least 12 residents in a space of two weeks.
The affected villages are Kasamba and Kyamayemb.
According to Mr Emax Kintu, the district health educator, the disease was investigated by the Masaka regional health team, World Health Organisation (WHO) and other health teams, but laboratory tests ruled out Marburg, Ebola, Crimean Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF) and the Rift Valley Fever.
“Most of the patients present a rash on the skin, which keeps widening and after a few days, the victim dies,” he said.
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When contacted on Sunday, Ministry of Health spokesperson Emmanuel Ainebyoona said: “I am sure, our surveillance teams must be attending to that issue and I am yet to get their findings, which I will share with the public.”
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