A mysterious illness reported in parts of Rakai District has claimed four lives, prompting police and health authorities to investigate a possible link to beef served at a funeral ceremony.
The deaths were reported in Muddala, Kyakabikwa and Kyabigondo villages in Lwamagwa Sub-county, in the Masaka West region.
Twaha Kasirye, the Greater Masaka Regional Police Spokesperson, said investigations had commenced to establish the cause of the illness and determine whether the deaths are connected.
The deceased have been identified as Charles Bangirana, Jenipher Ntegyeriize and Christmas Behakanira, while the identity of the fourth victim had not been immediately established.
Kasirye said one of the victims died at a health facility, while three others died in their respective villages.
Police are also following up on three other people who are reportedly receiving treatment at different health facilities after developing similar symptoms.
Preliminary information gathered by police indicates that the illness reportedly begins with scab-like sores appearing on the arms, followed by swelling of the chest and death within about two days.
Police are investigating claims that the victims may have consumed beef served at a burial ceremony for the mother of a resident identified only as Umar.
“Investigations have commenced to ascertain the cause of this strange illness. The suspected cause is consumption of beef served at a burial ceremony,” Kasirye said.
However, he cautioned that no link between the deaths and consumption of the meat has been established, saying authorities are awaiting laboratory results before determining the actual cause.
The District Security Committee has convened over the matter and deployed a ground team to follow up on the reported cases and establish what could be behind the deaths.
Samples were collected from the deceased and submitted to the Government Analytical Laboratory for testing. The results are expected to establish whether the illness was caused by an infectious disease, contaminated food or another factor.
Kasirye said one of the bodies was still at Lyantonde Mortuary, awaiting a postmortem examination.
Police are working with health authorities and other relevant agencies as investigations continue.
Kasirye urged residents in the affected communities to remain calm and immediately report anyone developing similar symptoms to health authorities instead of resorting to self-medication.
He also appealed to residents to avoid spreading unverified information about the suspected outbreak until laboratory and postmortem results establish the actual cause of the deaths.
Authorities have not yet confirmed whether the illness is infectious, food-related or caused by another factor.
