Anthrax Kills Fourth Victim in Kanungu

Summary:

• The deceased, identified as 52-year-old Ruth Kyitariboona from Karukondo Village, Nyakashure Parish in Nyamirama Sub-County, reportedly presented symptoms of anthrax after her family consumed milk from their cows.

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KANUNGU: Anthrax has claimed the fourth victim in Kanungu District, according to the Deputy Resident District Commissioner, Gad Rugaju Ahimbisiibwe.

The deceased, identified as 52-year-old Ruth Kyitariboona from Karukondo Village, Nyakashure Parish in Nyamirama Sub-County, reportedly presented symptoms of anthrax after her family consumed milk from their cows.

Rugaju confirmed that Kyitariboona passed away on Tuesday and was buried by a medical team from Nyamirama Health Centre III. Samples have been collected for further testing, including checks for anthrax and viral hemorrhagic fevers (VHF).

Rugaju also noted that Kyitariboona’s son, whose identity has been withheld, is currently unwell. In a related case, a man from Kanyantorogo Town Council was admitted to Kihiihi Health Centre IV after consuming meat from a dead animal he purchased in Kambuga.

He urged residents in the affected areas to remain vigilant and report any suspected anthrax cases. The Kanungu Resident District Commissioner (RDC), Ambrose Mwesigye Amanyire, issued a stern warning to the public against slaughtering and consuming meat, despite a district-wide ban due to the outbreak.

“We continue to see people slaughtering cows, pigs, and goats, which is contributing to the increase and spread of anthrax cases to new areas,” RDC Amanyire stated.

Dr. Birungi Mutahunga, the District Health Officer (DHO), revealed that epidemiologists from the Ministry of Health are on the ground to assess the situation. He identified hotspot areas for anthrax as Kabuga Sub-County, Nyakabungo Sub-County, Kanungu Town Council, Nyamirama, and Bugongi Sub-County.

“So far, 100 cows and three people have died from anthrax, and over 6,000 animals have been vaccinated,” Dr. Mutahunga said.

ASP Kitosi Titus, the District Police Commander (DPC), reassured the public that security forces are actively enforcing the ban on slaughtering and consuming livestock. He added that a butcher in Katete Omukyepatiko had already been arrested for violating the ban by illegally slaughtering cows.