Unknown illness in Uganda
Is it anthrax?
According to the Africa CDC, the Uganda Ministry of Health (MOH) has reported an outbreak of a yet unknown illness in Kabira sub-county, Kyotera district, in central Uganda. Officials report 34 confirmed cases, including 24 deaths in the report dated November 26.
Initial reports indicate a least six deaths the week ending August 10. Symptoms included headache, chest pain, difficulty in breathing and swallowing, dry cough, blistering and swelling of the limbs.
The majority of cases reported eating meat from dead cattle sold in open markets prior to presenting with symptoms.
Two samples were sent to the Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI) and tested negative for anthrax. Since then, additional samples have been submitted.
Farmers in the district have also reported the death of at least 25 cattle during this period.
While the Africa CDC calls the outbreak one of yet unknown etiology, Ugandan media report that at least three blood samples tested by UVRI were positive fro anthrax.
Here we wait for more information on the very deadly outbreak in Kyotera district, Uganda.