A puzzling disease outbreak in Uganda has triggered urgent investigations by African health experts, resulting in the deaths of at least 14 people and illness in some 40 individuals.
The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) and the World Health Organisation (WHO) are spearheading the probe into this enigmatic disease, which has stumped doctors as they struggle to identify it.
Those affected in Uganda’s Kyotera district have displayed skin rashes and some have experienced swollen limbs. The disease seems to be transmitted from animals to humans, initially raising concerns of anthrax, a bacterial infection commonly infecting livestock such as cows, sheep, and goats.
However, further testing has ruled out anthrax, according to Dr. Jean Kaseya, director-general of Africa CDC.
Concerns Surrounding Traditional Healers
Dr. Kaseya stated: “We have a disease causing fatalities, yet we are unable to identify it. We are referring to it as an unknown disease.
“However, what we do know is that it is originating from animals, as we are witnessing concurrent animal deaths in the same area.
“We had considered anthrax, but the tests have ruled that out. Nonetheless, there is undoubtedly a link between animals and humans.”
He added, “We are collectively engaged in further investigations.”
It is estimated that the mysterious disease has affected approximately 40 people in recent weeks within the villages of Kyamayembe, Bugera, and Nakatoogo in Bwamijja Parish, as well as Mabaale, Kabutooke, and Kyanika in Kyanika Parish.
Regina Nakalyango, a local councillor representing Kabira sub-county, expressed to the Daily Monitor, a Ugandan daily, that cases were escalating daily, and many had lost hope for survival.
She remarked, “People in our villages are living in fear due to the impact of this strange disease.
“The most distressing aspect is that they place their trust in traditional healing, given that medical professionals have also been unable to find answers to this deadly disease.”
