In an effort to contain a serious anthrax outbreak that started in the central region’s Kyotera district, Uganda has banned the sale of beef products.
According to reports, over 20 people are bedridden in different nearby villages, and at least 17 people have died.
Local traders are being impacted by the announcement made by John Mary Lutaaya, the district veterinary officer for Kyotera, that cattle movement in the Kabira zone will be restricted until the outbreak is under control.
Health officials confirmed the outbreak on November 26. Over 40 cows have died as a result of it in the last two months. The bacterium Bacillus anthracis is the cause of the rare but extremely contagious disease anthrax, which normally affects both domestic and wild animals. It is found naturally in soil.
Contact with contaminated animal products or infected animals puts the general public at risk of infection, which can cause symptoms like fever, blisters, swollen limbs, and breathing difficulties.
The finding that some afflicted people are finding comfort in shrines rather than medical facilities is concerning because health officials worry that this trend will make it more difficult to contain the outbreak.
The situation is still dire as officials step up their efforts to stop the disease’s spread, including outlawing the sale of beef and enforcing strict restrictions on the movement of cattle through afflicted areas.
