The World Health Organization Reports Suspected Anthrax Outbreak in Zambia
The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a press release detailing a concerning outbreak of anthrax in Zambia, South Africa. Since the first human case was reported in May of this year, a total of 684 suspected cases have been reported, resulting in 4 deaths by the end of the 20th month. This marks the largest outbreak of anthrax in Zambia in 12 years, with the infection spreading across as many as 9 out of 10 states, starting in the southern region of Sinajongwe.
According to WHO, the movement of animals and people in Zambia and its neighboring countries, such as Angola, Botswana, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Malawi, has increased the risk of infection spreading. Improper disposal of animal carcasses, such as dumping them into rivers, has further contributed to the spread of the disease.
Anthrax is an infectious disease that affects both humans and animals, with a mortality rate ranging from 5-20%. In severe cases, the mortality rate can exceed 95% if not treated promptly. WHO emphasizes the importance of administering antibiotics within the first 24 to 48 hours of infection.
The different classifications of anthrax, including respiratory, skin, and gastrointestinal anthrax, each present unique symptoms and challenges for treatment. WHO advises that individuals in affected areas should be vigilant and take necessary precautions to prevent exposure to the bacteria.
International travelers are urged to be aware of regulations regarding animal products when visiting countries with anthrax outbreaks. Additionally, individuals are advised to report any unusual cases of animal deaths near outbreak areas to the authorities.
As the situation continues to develop, WHO remains vigilant in monitoring and responding to the outbreak. The organization emphasizes the importance of implementing control measures and providing preventive treatment to those at risk of exposure.
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The WHO building in Geneva, Switzerland. / Reuters Yonhap News
A large number of suspected cases of anthrax, a zoonotic disease, have occurred in Zambia, South Africa. It is an acute infectious disease caused by anthrax infection and is a frightening disease with a mortality rate of up to 95%.
The World Health Organization (WHO) announced in a press release on the 10th (local time) since the first human case of anthrax infection in Zambia was reported in May this year, that 684 suspected cases have been finally reported on the 20th. month. Of these, there were 4 deaths. It is believed to have started in the southern region of Sinajongwe and spread to as many as 9 out of 10 states. It has been 12 years since a suspected large-scale outbreak occurred in Zambia, when 511 cases were reported in 2011.
WHO said, “Since Zambia and its neighboring countries are places where animals and people move frequently, the spread of the infection appears to be high in neighboring countries such as Angola, Botswana, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Malawi, ” and “Animal carcasses are not processed for burial or other disposal, but are dumped into rivers, etc. “As it flows on, the risk of spreading to neighboring countries increases,” he said.
Anthrax is an infectious disease that can affect both humans and animals. The mortality rate is usually known to be around 5-20%, but it is a terrible disease that can rise to over 95% if not treated in time. Therefore, antibiotics should be given within the first 24 to 48 hours of infection. Ruminant animals such as cattle, sheep and goats are infected with anthrax and are transmitted when people come into contact with these animals or eat them raw.
Depending on the route by which anthrax bacteria enter, it is classified into respiratory anthrax, skin anthrax, and gastrointestinal anthrax. Cutaneous anthrax, which progresses from itchy skin to black skin ulcers, is common. In particular, anthrax that occurs in the lungs can progress rapidly from cold symptoms to breathing difficulties and shock. In this case, the mortality rate is known to be around 92%.
WHO said, “If human infection is suspected, control measures should be implemented and people who may be exposed to the bacteria should receive preventive treatment,” and “International travelers visiting countries with anthrax outbreaks should be aware of the regulations on bringing in animal products. or souvenirs “If you see an unexpected case of an animal dying near an outbreak area, inform the authorities.”
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