Health ministry officials are expected in Ibanda to carry out further studies following confirmation of an anthrax outbreak in  the district.

Acording to the district surveillance Officer Vincent Mugisha, five of the six samples sent to the Uganda Virus Research Institute Arua for testing last week tested positive for anthrax.

The officials urged the public, especially residents of Keihangara sub-county, to be extra careful and stop consuming meat of dead animals.

Mugisha was giving an update on the outbreak at the district health offices on November 15.

Seven people from Rugaaga I and Rugaaga IV villages in Keihangara sub-county, Ibanda South County were last week hospitalised at Uganda Martyrs Ibanda Hospital Kagongo over suspected anthrax infection. They had signs and symptoms common with anthrax infection, including boils, wounds, and swelling of different parts of the upper body, especially the arms.

Mugisha said the patients were discharged from the hospital over the weekend and they are currently being monitored from their homes.  

Meanwhile, Mugisha has revealed that scientists from the Health Ministry will be in the district soon to carry out further investigations in the areas where the disease was reported.