Anthrax outbreak kills three in Uganda

IANS April 11, 2025 172 views

A deadly anthrax outbreak has struck Uganda, claiming three lives across multiple districts after people consumed meat from an infected cow. The health ministry reported that approximately 25 individuals became ill after eating raw meat from a deceased animal at a local market. This incident follows a similar outbreak in September that also resulted in multiple deaths and widespread livestock infections. Health authorities are now investigating the source and working to prevent further spread of the disease.

"It is reported that all the people who ate the meat, about 25 in number, got ill" - Uganda Ministry of Health
Kampala, April 11: Uganda's Ministry of Health said Friday that an anthrax outbreak in the northeastern and western regions of the country has left three people dead and several others hospitalised.

Key Points

1

Outbreak spans western and northeastern Uganda districts

2

Three confirmed deaths linked to contaminated meat

3

25 people initially infected after consuming raw cow meat

4

Previous outbreak in September killed three people

The ministry noted in a health situation update report that two deaths, one laboratory-confirmed case and another suspected patient, were identified in the western Ugandan district of Buhweju, with 11 others suspected to have the disease in the district.

Meanwhile, a 45-year-old female died of suspected anthrax in Moroto district in the northeastern part of the country.

The cause of death was attributed to the consumption of meat from a cow that had died three days earlier in Apetawoi village and was sold raw at the Chokolias community market, said the health authority.

"It is reported that all the people who ate the meat, about 25 in number, got ill with similar signs and symptoms, though less severe than the deceased," it said.

In the western district of Kabale, seven people are suspected to have anthrax, according to the report, Xinhua news agency reported.

Last September, at least three people were killed and over 43 cases reported following an anthrax outbreak in the southwestern Ugandan district of Kanungu.

Several livestock deaths were also registered, including 65 heads of cattle, 10 goats and three sheep. A mass vaccination of livestock in the district was launched to curb the spread of the disease.

A quarantine on the sale of livestock, including cattle, goats, sheep, pigs and related products, was imposed in Kanungu since the outbreak of anthrax in the district was announced on September 17.

Anthrax is caused by a bacterium called bacillus anthracis and primarily affects herbivorous animals, although other mammals and some birds can also contract it. Humans generally acquire the disease through contact with infected animals or exposure to contaminated animal products, according to the World Health Organisation.

Reader Comments

J
James K.
This is so tragic 😢 People really need better education about food safety, especially with meat from unknown sources. My heart goes out to all the affected families.
S
Sarah M.
The article mentions vaccination efforts - I hope they can expand these to more regions. Prevention is always better than dealing with outbreaks after they happen.
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Trevor L.
Respectful criticism: While the article covers the basics well, I wish it had more details about symptoms to watch for and how anthrax is treated. That info could save lives.
A
Amina B.
This is heartbreaking 💔 So many lives affected by something preventable. The government needs to do more to regulate meat markets and educate communities about food safety.
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David P.
The economic impact must be devastating too - losing livestock and then having quarantines on sales. Hope international health organizations can provide support.
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Rebecca T.
Scary how one contaminated animal can affect so many people. Makes me appreciate food safety regulations we have here, though we shouldn't take them for granted either.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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