The Acting Director General of Health Services Prof. Anthony Mbonye has written to the District Health Officers of 18 districts in the ‘cattle corridor’, warning them about a possible outbreak of the deadly Crimean Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF).
According to Prof. Mbonye, two positive cases of the Viral Hemorrhagic Fever (VHF) were detected in samples from Nakaseke and Kiboga hospitals on August 20. He said the CCHF can be transmitted from infected animals to humans through tick bites.
The susceptible districts are Amolatar, Moroto, Nakapipirit, Katakwi, Amuria, Soroti, Buyende, Kayunga, Luwero Kiboga and Nakasongola. Others are: Nakaseke, Kabermaido, Mubende, Sembabule, Lyantonde, Kiruhura and Mbarara.
‘You are required to work with the office of the DVO (District Veterinary Officer) to strengthen measures for CCHF control in animals, implement interventions to reduce the risk of CCHF infections among humans and interventions to control CCHF in healthcare settings. You are also reminded to immediately report and investigate any CCHF in your districts,’ Prof. Mbaoye’s letter dated August 21, reads in part.
