Contrary to ‘news’ making rounds in the social media, it is neither anthrax nor yellow fever that has claimed the lives of 7 people and infected 21 others that are currently quarantined in Tanzania, but a mysterious disease that is yet to be identified.
“We have sent samples of the patients including blood, stool, vomit fluids and liver to the national laboratory, the Chief Government Chemist and Kilimanjaro Christian Research Institute (KCRI) for laboratory testing,” said Ms Ummy Mwalimu, from the Minister for Health, Social Development, Gender, Elderly and Children
Samples taken from those infected living in two districts Chemba and Kondoa in central Tanzania region of Dodoma. They are being treated in seclusion in Dodoma regional Referral hospital and Kondoa District Hospital. Two children are responding well to treatment and are in critical condition.
The lab results are expected to come out on Monday or Tuesday to demystify the disease. The symptoms of the disease show that it is not anthrax.
“Initial tests at the national laboratory have as well proved that the strange disease is not Yellow Fever. Laboratory technicians are still working to identify other diseases such as Rift Valley Fever (RVF),” the minister explained.
According to Ummy Mwalimu the disease could be caused by Aflotoxins, toxic compounds that are produced by moulds in food which can lead to liver damage and cancer. In relation to that, the government sent cereals in the affected area to be tested in the government lab.
