BUSHENYI – Two people have been confirmed dead after being infected by anthrax disease. Six others are also infected.
Anthrax is caused by a spore-forming bacterium. It mainly affects animals. Humans can become infected through contact with an infected animal or by inhaling spores.
Bushenyi district Veterinary Officer Dr Natukunda Roberts says the disease has been confirmed in Kafunjo and Rwenyena villages in Kitagata Parish, Kyeizooba Sub County.
Dr Natukunda says most patients of anthrax disease always have common signs such as nausea, vomitting, abdominal pains and fever.
He reveals that most of thr patients are being treated at home while only one patient is admitted at a health facility in Kyeizooba Sub County.
He called for adherence to the guidelines from the veterinary department for effective disease control including monitoring of human and animal health, regular testing for anthrax, reporting suspicious illness, proper disposal of animal carcasses and many others.
He further notes that if animals are tested early they can be vaccinated against the disease.
Bushenyi RDC Robert Atuhairwe appealed to the public to avoid buying meat from butchers that are not authorised to sell meat.
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