Outbreak Status:
Zambian Ministry of Health confirmed a significant anthrax outbreak on the first of November 2023, the first major outbreak spanning nine out of ten provinces. The outbreak began in May 2023 with reports of animal deaths in the southern province. Shortly thereafter, human cases emerged, with 26 individuals developing ulcers associated with the consumption of infected hippopotamus meat. As of November 20th, 2023, 684 suspected cases in humans, including four deaths, have been reported across the country.
The Sinazongo District is the epicenter of the outbreak, with 287 cases and two deaths recorded. Other severely affected provinces include southern, western provinces, Lusaka, eastern province and Muchinga. While most cases are suspected, 26 cases have been confirmed through laboratory tests. The source of the outbreak stems primarily from contaminated hippopotamus meat, highlighting the zoonotic nature of this disease.
About the Disease:
Anthrax is an infection caused by spore-forming bacteria called Bacillus anthracis. It is a zoonotic disease (a disease transmitted from animals to humans) that usually affects ruminants (such as cattle, sheep, and goats). The bacteria produce very potent toxins that are responsible for the symptoms, leading to a high mortality rate. Humans can contract disease from infected animals or through contaminated animal products.
Mode of transmission:
Anthrax is rarely transmitted from one person to another. But anthrax bacteria can enter the body and reproduce in four ways:
- Through skin contact with anthrax spores, such as touching or handling the meat, skin, or wool of infected animals, which enter a wound or scratch on the skin.
- Through inhaling anthrax spores from infected animals.
- Through eating contaminated and undercooked meat from infected animals.
- Through contaminated heroin syringes.
The incubation period of the disease: from one to seven days
Symptoms:
- Skin rash and ulcers
- Nausea and diarrhea
- Fever
- Sore throat
- Difficulty breathing
- Muscle pain
Prevention and treatment of anthrax:
Anthrax vaccines for livestock and humans exist. Veterinary vaccines are used to control anthrax in livestock. Human vaccines are in limited supply and are used primarily to protect selected individuals with possible occupational exposure to anthrax.
People infected with anthrax need antibiotics, usually for 60 days, and treatment is most successful if started early.
References:
World Health Organization (WHO)