South and East Africa Report 1100 Suspected Anthrax Cases

The anthrax outbreaks across East and southern Africa have raised significant concerns, with over 1100 suspected cases and 20 deaths reported since the beginning of the year in Kenya, Malawi, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. These countries, where anthrax is endemic, have seen various patterns and impacts of the disease this year, with Zambia experiencing its most extensive outbreak since 2011 and Malawi reporting its first human case.

Anthrax, a bacterial disease primarily affecting animals, can be transmitted to humans through contact with infected animal carcasses or contaminated animal products. Human-to-human transmission is rare, primarily observed in cutaneous anthrax cases. This form constitutes over 95% of human anthrax cases worldwide.

Efforts to control these outbreaks involve multidisciplinary teams collaborating at the national level, supported by organisations like the World Health Organisation (WHO), the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO), the United Nations Environment Programme, and the World Organisation for Animal Health. These teams aim to assess the situation, address gaps, and bolster the outbreak response.

The outbreaks are influenced by various factors such as climatic changes, food insecurity, low risk perception, and exposure while handling infected animal meat. In response to the significant outbreak in Zambia, authorities have vaccinated livestock and implemented control measures, considering the heightened risk of regional spread due to shared ecosystems and frequent cross-border movements of animals and humans.

Malawi, Kenya, and Zimbabwe are intensifying public health measures, including awareness campaigns, disease surveillance, diagnosis, treatment, animal vaccination, and proper disposal of animal carcasses, to curb the spread of anthrax.

Given the recurrent nature of human anthrax in regions with frequent livestock infections, proper medical care and hospitalisation are essential. Individuals exposed to anthrax spores might receive prophylactic treatment, and antibiotics, prescribed by medical professionals, show efficacy in treating anthrax.

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Source: WHO Africa