Five countries in east and southern Africa are witnessing anthrax outbreaks, with more than 1,100 suspected cases and 20 related deaths reported this year, WHO revealed Monday.
Anthrax is a serious bacterial infection caused by Bacillus anthracis that occurs naturally in soil. It typically affects domestic and wild animals. Humans can contract the infection through infected animals or contaminated animal products.
“A total of 1,166 suspected and 37 confirmed cases have been recorded in Kenya, Malawi, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe – where the disease is endemic, with seasonal outbreaks every year,” WHO said in a news release.
Zambia is the most affected, with nine of its 10 provinces reporting infections. A total of 684 suspected cases, 25 confirmed cases, and four deaths were reported in the country’s largest outbreak since 2011.
The pattern of occurrence and deaths from anthrax infection has affected each country differently. In Kenya, three deaths were reported this year in comparison to zero fatalities last year. In Malawi, where the disease is endemic in animals, the first ever human case was reported this year. Human anthrax cases have also been reported in Uganda, where fatality spiked (from two last year to 13) this year. Officials attribute the high case fatality ratio to late reporting to health facilities. In Zimbabwe, every year since 2019, human cases have been reported, emphasizing the need for stronger preventive measures in the country, officials said.
“The outbreaks are likely being driven by multiple factors, including climatic shocks, food insecurity, low-risk perception, and exposure to the disease through handling the meat of infected animals,” the news release read.
“To end these outbreaks we must break the cycle of infection by first preventing the disease in animals. We are supporting the ongoing national outbreak control efforts by providing expertise as well as reinforcing collaboration with partner agencies for a common approach to safeguard…
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