Alerts

There is an outbreak of Red Eyes otherwise known scientifically as Viral Conjunctivitis. This has been reported in the country's regions of Dar es Salaam, Morogoro, Pwani and the capital city, Dodoma.

Viral Conjunctivitis is an Infection of the eye caused by a virus, which can be caused by a number of different viruses, such as adenoviruses. It is very contagious, and sometimes can result in large outbreaks depending on the virus. 

Tanzania's Ministry of Health made the announcement on the outbreak on 15 January 2023, which is available on this link: https://twitter.com/wizara_afyatz/status/1746905306091708917?s=20

Symptoms of conjunctivitis can include:

• Pink or red colour in the white of the eye(s)
• Swelling of the conjunctiva (the thin layer that lines the white part of the eye and the inside of the eyelid) and/or eyelids
• Increased tear production
• Feeling like a foreign body is in the eye(s) or an urge to rub the eye(s)
• Itching, irritation, and/or burning
• Discharge (pus or mucus)
• Crusting of eyelids or lashes, especially in the morning
• Contact lenses that feel uncomfortable and/or do not stay in place on the eye

Viral Conjunctivitis can occur with symptoms of a cold, flu, or other respiratory infection. It usually begins in one eye and may spread to the other eye within days. Discharge from the eye is usually watery rather than thick.

For more details on causes, symptoms, treatment and transmission, please read here: https://www.cdc.gov/conjunctivitis/index.html

The FAO Emergency Prevention System has cautioned about the risk of RVF occurrence in East Africa both in animals and humans, due to favourable environmental conditions and through movement of potentially infected animals, underscoring the urgent need to ensure adequate preparedness for potential outbreak of RVF, through the One Health approach.

During the period of July–October 2023 and over the recent weeks, weter than-normal conditions occurred in the region, and particularly in Sudan, South Sudan and parts of Kenya, Uganda, Ethiopia, Djibouti, Somalia and United Republic of Tanzania. Flooding conditions persisted in the Sudd wetlands in northern South Sudan. These suitable environmental conditions for potential RVF vector amplification, abundance and distribution are forecasted to persist until January 2024 because of a strong El Niño predicted event that is expected to occur with a 75-85 percent chance. Extensive hotspots for RVF vector amplification are predicted in Sudan, South Sudan, Kenya, United Republic of Tanzania, Ethiopia, Uganda, Somalia, and Rwanda.

Read more on this link

A study by the Harvard Medical School reveals that deep sea fish tend to contain the highest levels of mercury as a result of consuming small fish. The study warns consumers against eating large fish such as shark, swordfish, tilefish and King Mackerel. According to the Secretary General of International Federation of Fertility Societies Oladapo Ashiru, large fish have been found to contain heavy metals that can lead to infertility.

Read more: https://nation.africa/kenya/health/fertility-experts-warn-against-consumption-of-large-fish-4408700

An increase in cholera infections has been reported in Tanzania since early October. Cholera spreads via contaminated food and water. Symptoms include vomiting and profuse, watery diarrhea which can lead to severe dehydration. 

For more information go to this link: Francais |  Español

Tests carried out by East African Community (EAC) standards experts have confirmed the presence of high aflatoxin levels in Ugandan maize earlier rejected by South Sudan authorities. Aflatoxins are a group of naturally occurring mycotoxins (toxic compounds produced by molds) that are primarily produced by two species of fungi: Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus. These molds can grow on crops such as peanuts, maize (corn), cottonseed, and tree nuts, particularly in warm and humid climates. Aflatoxins are potent carcinogens, and long-term exposure to them can have serious health implications for humans and animals.

Read more: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/uganda-set-to-destroy-1-700-tonnes-of-maize-4408556

Kenya's Ministry of Health has implemented several mitigation measures following a warning by the country's Meteorological Department about the likelihood of El Nino rainfall occurring in the country between October and December 2023.

The Kenya Meteorological Department announced recently that during this period the country will experience heightened rainfall, as well as the potential for flooding and landslides in certain regions of the country. It emphasized the importance of proactive preparations by the relevant government agencies to mitigate possible deaths and loss of property.

The mitigation preparedness measures, according to the Ministry, include development of a Contingency Plan for El Nino, close collaboration with County Governments and Partners. 

Read full government statement here: Full government statement

EAC records huge post-harvest losses in cereals and root crops. EAC records huge post-harvest losses in cereals and root crops. EAC records huge post-harvest losses in cereals and root crops. EAC records huge post-harvest losses in cereals and root crops