An outbreak of Rift Valley Fever has been confirmed in Ntungamo district, with significant impacts already observed.
According to Moses Asiimwe, the District Surveillance Focal Person, the disease has claimed three lives in the areas of Rubaare, Nyarutuntu, and Itojo. The affected individuals primarily fall within the age range of 13 to 45 years and include livestock handlers.
Asiimwe further reports that six additional cases have been laboratory-confirmed by the Uganda Virus Research Institute in Entebbe. Patients are presenting with common symptoms such as fever, muscle pain, and bleeding.
Beatrice Chemisto, Acting District Health Officer, highlighted measures being implemented to control the outbreak. These include vector control, contact tracing, and public awareness campaigns, particularly focused on safe handling practices for dead animals.
The World Health Organization (WHO) released a report in early June indicating that Rift Valley Fever is now prevalent in Ntungamo, Mbarara, and Sheema Districts in western Uganda.
Rift Valley Fever is a mosquito-borne virus endemic to the region, primarily affecting animals like sheep, cattle, and goats. The disease can have significant economic consequences due to livestock losses.
Humans become infected through contact with infected animal blood or organs, particularly during butchering and slaughtering processes, which are primary modes of transmission.
