Misinformation about gas gangrene has a rich history, with little focus on educating the public. Some people think it’s witchcraft, while others believe they’ve stepped on something toxic. These wrong ideas have spread from person to person for centuries leading many to try home remedies and , die as a result.
What’s Gas Gangrene and how does it spread to people?
Let’s clear up the myths and false information about Gas gangrene also called “Etalo” in many parts of Uganda. This uncommon and deadly bacterial infection destroys your blood cells and soft tissues. Clostridium perfringens, a bacteria that lives in low-oxygen soils, causes this condition. You can get this bacteria from a deep wound, or when your soft tissues touch contaminated soil if you’re not wearing foot protections such as boots or closed shoes..
Gas gangrene needs urgent medical care. It can kill if you try herbal remedies, which people often do in different parts of Uganda. when detects un-usual deep tissue pain with fast swelling, always go to the hospital right away. These signs also include bad pain in or near the wound, fever, a racing heart, worry, sweating, or low blood pressure.
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?
Many people thought Gas Gangrene was witchcraft because the bacteria spread . It can kill within 48 hours without proper care. We talked to Mr. Mukonzi John, an old and well-known herbalist. He told Factjaja that Gas Gangrene has no medical cure. People have treated it with local herbs since long ago. He said many died because they chose religious fixes or Medical doctors, which put them in danger. Factajaja looked into this claim using verified source like World Health Organisation. https://bit.ly/3AeTFMp which provides treatment details and cause, furthermore, National Organisation for Rare Disorders (NORD) provides a full overview of reserach, findings and treatment of Gas gangrene here: https://bit.ly/4ffsEau Factjaja reached out to Dr. Enoch Kusasira, a surgeon at Mulago National Referral Hospital. He said the hospital has good equipment to treat patients. X-rays, CT scans, and MRI help doctors examine the issue for any patient and give needed care. He added that the team of specialists sometimes takes a biopsy to check if it’s cancer before starting the right treatment. He also mentions that doctors treat with antibiotics, though gangrene treatment is surgical. They need to do a biopsy in the affected spot to stop the infection from spreading further. Ministry of Health Uganda published Uganda National Infection Prevention And Control Guidelines, Report 2013 about gas gangrene read more: https://bit.ly/4fl4GKU.
Having carefully investigated common claims about gas gangrene as witchcraft related, with a help of World Health Organisation, National Organisation for Rare Disorders (NORD) and Ministry of Health Uganda, the claim is FALSE,
Gas gangrene is most often caused by bacteria called Clostridium perfringens. It also can be caused by group A streptococcus, Staphylococcus aureus, and Vibrio vulnificus. according to verified sources, there is No significant evidence that Gas Gangrene (ETALO) is caused by witchrafts.
This fact-check is part of an ongoing series by Factjaja, aimed at investigating and debunking content flagged as potential health misinformation circulating on social medias and communities especially among vulnerable population for years.
Factcheck by: Muhumuza Adolph
