African health experts are urgently investigating a mystery disease outbreak in Uganda which has killed at least 14 people and seen some 40 fall ill.
The mystery disease is being probed by the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) and World Health Organisation (WHO) after doctors have so far been unable to identify it.
Those struck by the outbreak in Uganda’s Kyotera district have developed rashes on their skin and some had swollen limbs.
The disease appears to pass from animals to humans, and medics had at first suspected anthrax, a bacterial infection typically infecting cows, sheep, and goats.
But tests have now ruled out anthrax, said Dr Jean Kaseya, director-general of Africa CDC.
Fears over traditional healers
He said: “We have a disease killing people, but we don’t know. We call it an unknown disease.
“But what we know is it is coming from animals, because at the same time in the same area, animals are dying.
“We conducted some studies, we were thinking towards anthrax, but it’s not anthrax, but for sure there is a linkage between animals and humans.”
He went on: “We are working together to continue further investigations.”
The mystery disease is thought to have affected around 40 people in recent weeks, in the villages of Kyamayembe, Bugera, and Nakatoogo in Bwamijja Parish, and Mabaale, Kabutooke and Kyanika in Kyanika Parish.
Regina Nakalyango, a local councillor representing Kabira sub-county, told the Daily Monitor, a Ugandan daily, that cases were rising daily and many had lost hope of surviving.
She said: “People in our villages are living in fear due to the impact of this strange disease.
“The worst part is they believe in traditional healing since the medics have also failed to find answers to the deadly disease.”
Rachel Carter is a health and wellness expert dedicated to helping readers lead healthier lives. With a background in nutrition, she offers evidence-based advice on fitness, nutrition, and mental well-being.
