The Uganda Ministry of Health has confirmed an anthrax outbreak in Lyantonde District in southern Central Uganda, according to a local media report.
Health officials say 10 samples were collected from Kaliiro, Kasagama, and Lyantonde sub-counties, of which three tested positive for Bacillus anthracis, the agent of anthrax.
Authorities report four people have died so far and two confirmed cases are being treated.
"We received reports of a strange disease killing people in several sub-counties. Our investigations show that most affected individuals had contact with livestock that died suddenly," Dr Fred Walugembe, leading the surveillance team, said.
Health officials urged residents to avoid slaughtering animals that die mysteriously and to purchase meat only inspected and stamped by certified veterinary officers.
Livestock farmers in affected areas have expressed growing concern over the outbreak, calling on the government to rollout mass vaccination.
Anthrax is a serious infectious disease caused by a bacteria called Bacillus anthracis. Many different types of animals, as well as people, can get the disease.
In animals, signs of the illness usually appear 3 to 7 days after the spores are swallowed or inhaled. Once signs begin in animals, they usually die within two days. Infected animals may stagger, have difficulty breathing, tremble, and finally collapse and die within a few hours. Sometimes animals may have a fever and a period of excitement followed by staggering, depression, unconsciousness (lacking awareness), difficulty breathing, seizures, and death. Dark blood may ooze from the mouth, nose, and anus.
Handling or eating a dead or sick animal infected with anthrax can transmit anthrax to humans and other animals. Anthrax is not spread by sneezing or coughing. Person-to-person spread of the disease is unlikely.
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