Anthrax outbreak claims 3 lives in Kanungu

Kanungu, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | The death toll from the anthrax outbreak in Kanungu District has risen to three. The outbreak was officially declared on September 17, 2024, following the death of a resident in Katojo village, Kambuga Town Council, alongside the reported deaths of 68 cows in the area. The most affected regions include Kambuga and Kihihi Town Councils, as well as Katete, Bugongi, and Kambuga Sub Counties.

Dr. Aloysius Tumwesigye, Kanungu District Veterinary Officer, reported on Saturday that two additional individuals who tested positive for anthrax have succumbed to the disease. The total number of patients has increased from 28 to 30. Among the patients, one was treated at Mburameizi Health Centre II, while another was monitored by health officials at Nyamirama Health Centre III.

Dr. Tumwesigye confirmed that a quarantine on the sale of livestock—particularly cows, goats, sheep, and pigs—and their products remains in effect until further notice. He urged livestock dealers and market operators to comply with the quarantine orders.

To prevent further spread of the disease, he advised the public against consuming animal products. Anthrax is a zoonotic disease caused by the bacterium *Bacillus anthracis*, which produces potent toxins harmful to both animals and humans. While ruminants such as cows, goats, and sheep may die rapidly with minimal signs of infection, humans may initially experience flu-like symptoms along with raised boil-like skin lesions.

The death toll of people as a result of the anthrax disease outbreak in Kanungu district has reached three.   Anthrax was declared in the district on September 17, 2024, after the death of one person in Katojo village, Kambuga town council, and 68 cows in the district.   The most affected areas are Kambuga and Kihihi town councils, Katete,Bugongi and Kambuga Sub Counties.

Now, Dr. Aloysius Tumwesigye, Kanungu District Veterinary Officer told our reporter on Saturday that two more people who tested positive for the disease have died.  Tumwesigye says that the number of patients has reached 30 from 28. He says that one of the patients was registered at Mburameizi Health Centre II and another was followed up by health officials at Nyamirama Health Centre III.

Tumwesigye says that the quarantine against the sale of livestock especially cows, goats, sheep, and pigs and their products is still on until further notice. He also asks dealers of the livestock and markets not to dare disobey the quarantine orders.   He also advises the public not to consume animal products to prevent further spread of the disease.

Anthrax is a zoonotic disease caused by the bacterium Bacillus anthracis, which produces potent toxins harmful to both animals and humans. Ruminants like cows, goats, and sheep may die rapidly with minimal signs of infection, while humans initially experience flu-like symptoms and raised boil-like skin lesions.

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