Gas Gangrene Disinformation has a long standing History with less effort on public awareness. Some believe to be Witchcraft while others believe to have footed on something poisonous, all this this misconception and disinformation has been spreading widely from per-to-person for hundred of years which has ultimately led to self treatment and death.
What is Gas Gangrene and how does it infect people?
Debunking the myths and Disinformation of Gas gangrene which also widely known as “Etalo” in many corners of Uganda is a rare lethal bacterial infection that destroys your blood cells and soft tissues primarily caused by Clostridium perfringens commonly found in the soils that absorbs law levels of oxygen, You can get this bacterial from a deep wound, or via soft tissues It if come into contact with contaminated soils without foot protections.
Gas gangrene can be a medical emergency Gas gangrene is a medical emergency that can quickly be fatal if opt for herbal as a common practices in different parts of Africa, Always seek for a medical an immediate medical attention from Hospital whenever if you have symptoms of gas gangrene such as severe pain from or a round the wound, fever, Fast heart rate (tachycardia) anxiety , sweating or Low blood pressure (hypotension).
According to Dr. Stephen Okoboi. Deputy Head of Research Makerere University -Infectious Diseases Institute Over 1000 People are affected by Gas Gangrenes across the country especially in the law lands such as Bundibugyo, Kisoro, Kabale and the belts of Rwenzori region, He added that there is No proper treatment for Gas gangrene and it is primarily treated by Anti-biotics and regular skin treatments, He added that, Most Locals revert to local remedies over Professional treatment which ends up fatally and sometimes claims their lives.
How long does Gas Gangrene takes to progress to dangerous stage after being infected?
Possible reasons why many believed Gas Gangrene is witchcraft is because of the fast the bacterial progresses, It’s fatal within 48 hours if you do not receive proper treatment, While talking to Eldery Mr. Mukonzi John also a renown herbalist, He told Veri-Fact that Gas Gangrene Has No medical Treatment and it has been treated locally since the beginning with help of local herbs, He informed us that many people have died because they opt for religious solutions and Medical professionals which put their lives at risk.
Our team of Fact-Checkers led by Muhumuza Adolph tried to investigate and contact Dr. Enoch Kusasira, Mulago National Surgical Doctor Mulago National Referral Hospital about the matter, He informed us that the facility is well equipped
with X-rays, CT and Magnetic resonance to study the the problem to any victim and receive necessary treatment, He also added that the team of experts sometimes take biopsy to investigate if it’s cancerous before providing a proper treatment. Says Dr. Enoch.
He further added that treatment is usually done by applications of antibiotics through gangrene treatment is fundamentally surgical , Biopsy has to be done in the affected area to prevent further spread of infection.
The earlier you treat the gangrene less impact to your healthy. Says Dr. Enoch.
By: Muhumuza Adolph.