RIFT VALLEY FEVER – UGANDA: (NTUNGAMO) CONFIRMED
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International Society for Infectious Diseases
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Date: Thu 4 Jul 2024
Source: The Independent [edited]
https://www.independent.co.ug/rift-valley-fever-outbreak-confirmed-in-ntungamo/
An outbreak of Rift Valley fever has been confirmed in Ntungamo
district. The disease has already claimed 3 lives, in the areas of
Rubaare, Nyarutuntu, and Itojo, according to the District Surveillance
Focal Person Moses Asiimwe.
The majority of cases are registered among 13-45-year-olds and
livestock handlers. Asiimwe says that while 6 more cases have been
laboratory confirmed by the Uganda Virus Research Institute in
Entebbe, patients are exhibiting common symptoms, such as fever,
muscle pain, and bleeding.
Beatrice Chemisto, the Acting District Health Officer, says they have
initiated vector control, contact tracing, and public awareness
campaigns, especially on handling dead animals as some of the measures
to stop the spread of the disease.
According to a World Health Organization (WHO) report released in
early June [2024], the disease is now prevalent in Ntungamo, Mbarara,
and Sheema districts, all in western Uganda.
Rift Valley fever is a mosquito-borne virus that is endemic. It
primarily infects animals like sheep, cattle, and goats, and it can
have an economic impact on a community due to the loss of livestock.
Humans get infected through contact with infected animal blood or
organs. Butchering and slaughtering of animals is a primary cause of
transmission to humans.