The County Government of Siaya has issued a public health alert following a confirmed outbreak of anthrax in neighboring Vihiga County, raising concerns about a potential cross-border spread into areas bordering Gem Sub-County.
In a statement released on 17 April, county authorities confirmed that emergency response measures have already been activated to prevent the disease from spreading into Siaya.
Officials said the county has rolled out a coordinated response framework guided by the One Health approach, which integrates human, animal and environmental health systems.
“In response, the County has activated a coordinated One Health emergency response, including heightened surveillance, rapid response teams, livestock movement control, and targeted vaccination in high-risk areas,” the statement said.
The measures are aimed at containing the outbreak and minimizing the risk to both humans and livestock, particularly in border regions considered vulnerable.
Residents have been urged to strictly follow public health guidelines designed to reduce exposure and prevent infection. Authorities cautioned against consuming uninspected meat, handling animals that die suddenly, or participating in unauthorized slaughter practices.
Public urged to remain vigilant
County officials emphasized the importance of early reporting, calling on residents to immediately notify veterinary officers or local authorities about sudden livestock deaths.
Health experts warned that anthrax can be life-threatening if not treated promptly but reassured the public that it is both preventable and manageable when detected early.
Residents experiencing symptoms such as skin sores, swelling, black lesions, fever, or any unusual illness after handling animals or consuming meat have been advised to seek immediate medical attention at the nearest health facility.
“Anthrax is a serious but preventable and treatable disease when detected early. Health facilities and veterinary teams across the county are on high alert,” the statement added.
Authorities further urged residents, especially those living near border areas, to cooperate fully with response teams and adhere to safety advisories.
The alert comes amid broader concerns about misinformation surrounding disease outbreaks in the region. Recently, Uganda Ministry of Health dismissed viral social media claims alleging an outbreak of the Nipah virus in the country.
In a statement issued earlier, Ugandan authorities clarified that the circulating video contained false and misleading information, emphasizing that no cases of Nipah virus had been detected.
“Uganda has not registered any case or outbreak of Nipah virus. The country’s surveillance systems, including community reporting structures and laboratory networks, remain fully functional,” the ministry said.
Health officials warned that the spread of unverified information can undermine public confidence and disrupt legitimate response efforts.
“The public is advised to disregard unverified claims. Misinformation can generate unnecessary fear and hinder ongoing public health interventions,” the statement added.
