Story by Obed Kankiriho
Panic has gripped residents of Kyanamira Sub-county in Kabale District following a suspected outbreak of anthrax, which has already claimed the lives of several livestock and triggered human infections in Muyumbu Village, Muyumbu Parish.
According to a report released by the Kabale District Health Office, the outbreak has resulted in the deaths of seven cows, two goats, and one sheep.
Additionally, seven suspected human cases of anthrax — caused by the Bacillus anthracis bacterium — have been recorded. The first human case began showing symptoms on April 1, 2025, with more cases reported by April 6.
However, the livestock deaths began earlier, with two cows dying on an unspecified date, followed by subsequent deaths on March 22, March 30, March 31, and April 1.
Disturbingly, all seven infected cows were slaughtered and consumed by the local community.
Three of these were reportedly butchered and the meat sold in Kabura Trading Centre in Kyanamira Sub-county, while the other four were sold at Kabale Central Market in Kabale Town — raising serious public health concerns.
Kabale District Veterinary Officer Dr. Lynn Anyongire confirmed that seven men who were involved in slaughtering the animals are now exhibiting symptoms consistent with cutaneous anthrax.
These include skin lesions, headaches, fatigue, sore throat, back pain, chest discomfort, muscle aches, and difficulty swallowing.
One of the affected individuals has been admitted to Kabale Regional Referral Hospital for specialized care.
Dr. Anyongire noted that five samples have been collected and sent to the Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI) for laboratory confirmation.
She emphasized that once the results are in, the district will implement stringent control measures to prevent further spread of the disease.
Kyanamira and the neighboring Kaharo Sub-county have been designated as high-risk zones for intensified monitoring and surveillance.
Meanwhile, the Kabale District Health Office is urging residents to avoid consuming meat until the investigations are concluded.
In response to the outbreak, the district has outlined several emergency interventions, including orienting health workers on anthrax surveillance, supporting mass vaccination of animals, establishing Village Health Team (VHT) reporting mechanisms, and involving private clinics in early identification and reporting of suspected anthrax cases.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely as efforts intensify to contain the outbreak and safeguard public health.
