SHEEMA – The suspected anthrax outbreak in Sheema District has claimed five lives and left nine others critically ill after they consumed meat from a cow believed to have died of the disease.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The tragic incident, which unfolded in Nshungyezi Cell, Kashozi Division, Sheema Municipality, has since prompted an urgent and well-coordinated multi-agency response from district authorities.
Health, veterinary, and security teams have been rapidly deployed to investigate the suspected outbreak, support grieving affected families, and contain any further spread of the deadly disease.
Sam Orikunda, the Sheema Deputy Resident District Commissioner (RDC), confirmed that the District Outbreak Disease Response Task Force is actively coordinating all response efforts on the ground.
“Samples have been taken to government laboratories for confirmation, but all signs point to a case of anthrax,” Orikunda stated.
The deputy RDC further expressed disappointment over the delayed reporting, attributing the concealment to cultural practices that encourage consuming meat from animals that die naturally.
The victims reportedly ate meat from a cow that died under unclear circumstances, flouting public health guidelines that strictly forbid eating meat from animals that die suddenly or without veterinary inspection.
The nine survivors have been transferred to Mulago National Referral Hospital in Kampala, where they are receiving specialised treatment for their critical condition.
Dr. Joseph Amanya, the district veterinary officer, said health and veterinary teams are closely monitoring those affected while working tirelessly to trace others who may have handled or consumed the contaminated meat.
“We have intensified surveillance and community sensitisation in Nshungyezi and neighbouring areas, with health, veterinary, and security teams working together to prevent further infections,” Dr. Amanya said.
Anthrax is a serious bacterial disease caused by Bacillus anthracis, which primarily affects animals but can also infect humans.
Humans are equally at risk, often contracting it via direct contact with infected animals or their products, or worse, by eating improperly prepared meat from contaminated carcasses.
Human symptoms include fever, weakness, vomiting, difficulty breathing, and skin sores that develop into black-coloured wounds. Severe cases can be fatal if not treated early, making prompt medical care essential.
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