By Uziah Tusaasire
Five people have died of suspected anthrax in Sheema District after reportedly consuming meat from animal carcasses in Ikashozi Division, prompting health authorities to investigate a possible outbreak.
According to a communication from Sheema Resident District Commissioner Asiimwe Jane Muhindo, the person who slaughtered the animal died at the scene, while another woman who prepared the meat also died.
The deceased have been identified as Edward Nuwahereza, 43, a resident of Kiyuya; Lauben Nuwamanya, 40, a resident of Nshungezi I; Charity Nuwamanya, 35, also a resident of Nshungezi I; Elly Musinguzi; and another person whose identity had not yet been established by the time of filing this report.
Nine other people have been admitted to hospital for treatment. The RDC said samples from the deceased and the suspected animal carcasses have been submitted to the Government laboratory for analysis to confirm whether anthrax caused the deaths.
She urged members of the public to avoid eating meat from animals that die under unexplained circumstances as authorities await the laboratory results.
The communication was also shared with officials in Kasese District, where some residents are reported to consume meat from dead animals, calling for immediate public sensitisation to prevent any possible spread of the disease.
