Five African countries report anthrax outbreaks, over 1100 cases recorded (WHO Africa, December 11, 2023)

[Pathfinder]

Five African countries report anthrax outbreaks, over 1100 cases recorded

11 December 2023

Brazzaville – Five countries in East and southern Africa are experiencing anthrax outbreaks, with more than 1100 suspected cases and 20 related deaths reported since the start of the year.

A total of 1166 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 – according to data reported to World Health Organization (WHO).

Of the five countries, Zambia is witnessing its largest outbreak since 2011, with nine of its 10 provinces affected. As of 20 November, Zambia had reported 684 suspected, 25 confirmed cases and four deaths. Only sporadic cases have previously been reported in animals and humans in the country.

The outbreaks are presenting varied patterns in the affected countries. In Kenya, three deaths have been reported this year compared with zero fatalities from over 200 suspected cases in 2022. While the disease is endemic in animals in Malawi, the country reported its first ever human case this year. Human anthrax cases have been reported in three districts in Uganda, with 13 deaths compared with two deaths in 2022. The high case fatality ratio is due to patients reporting late to health facilities. In Zimbabwe, human cases have been reported every year since 2019, underscoring the need for stronger preventive actions.

“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 human and animal health,” said Dr Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa.

Anthrax is a bacterial disease that commonly affects domestic and wild herbivores. Humans acquire the disease through contact with infected animal carcasses or exposure to contaminated animal products. Animal-to-animal and human-to-human transmission of anthrax does not typically occur, although rare records of person-to-person transmission have been reported with cutaneous anthrax.

Cutaneous anthrax is the most common of the three forms of the disease. It accounts for more than 95% of human cases worldwide.

Joint multidisciplinary teams have deployed at country level to support assessments, identify gaps and take measures to strengthen the outbreak response. WHO is also working closely with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), United Nations Environment Programme and World Organisation for Animal Health to coordinate response in the affected countries leveraging the One Health Platforms.

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.

Due to the scale of the outbreak in Zambia, shared ecosystem with neighbouring countries and frequent cross-border animal and human movement, there is heightened risk of regional spread of the disease. Control measures are being intensified. The national authorities have vaccinated more than 122 000 cattle, sheep and goats with support from FAO. Additionally more than 400 000 vaccine doses have been earmarked for 11 high-risk districts in the country’s Western province.

Public health measures are also being stepped up in Malawi including enhancing public awareness, disease surveillance, diagnosis, treatment, animal vaccination as well as proper handling of animal products and disposal of carcass. In Kenya, control measures are being implemented to halt the outbreak, while in Zimbabwe disease surveillance, among other measures, is being reinforced to ensure early detection of cases.

Human anthrax infections are recurrent in countries with frequent livestock infections, with the highest incidences recorded in Africa, the Middle East, Central and South Asia. Hospitalization is required for all human cases of anthrax. Individuals potentially exposed to anthrax spores may be provided with prophylactic treatment. Anthrax responds well to antibiotics, which need to be prescribed by a medical professional.

​https://www.afro.who.int/countries/...rt-anthrax-outbreaks-over-1100-cases-recorded

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See also:

Uganda: Media - 17 killed as strange disease hits Kyotera - Ebola, CCHF, Marburg, Rift Valley Fever ruled out - November 21, 2023 - Anthrax confirmed

https://flutrackers.com/forum/forum...-ruled-out-november-21-2023-anthrax-confirmed

Zambia - Anthrax outbreak 2023

https://flutrackers.com/forum/forum...nthrax-aa/980883-zambia-anthrax-outbreak-2023


Malawi - Suspected Anthrax case reported in Mzimba South

https://flutrackers.com/forum/forum...spected-anthrax-case-reported-in-mzimba-south

Nigeria - Anthrax outbreak in animals 2023

https://flutrackers.com/forum/forum...5381-nigeria-anthrax-outbreak-in-animals-2023

Zimbabwe: 2020 - 2023 Anthrax

https://flutrackers.com/forum/forum...anthrax-aa/822654-zimbabwe-2020-2023-anthrax​

 

[Pathfinder]

Scientists spooked by ‘unusual’ surge in anthrax cases across Africa

More than 1,100 suspected cases reported in five countries spanning continent

Lilia Sebouai
15 December 2023 • 12:08pm
...
Professor Willem van Schaik, Director of the Institute of Microbiology and Infection at the University of Birmingham, said the outbreaks were “far larger than usual,” adding that there was a “high” risk of further anthrax transmission in the affected countries.

He said worsening poverty and food insecurity was likely to be playing a prominent role in forcing local people to eat meat of uncertain origins, as they have no other source of protein.

Professor Brendan Wren, Professor of Microbial Pathogenesis at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, said anthrax was endemic in the wildlife of Zambia and Uganda.

The disease is also endemic in Zimbabwe, with yearly seasonal outbreaks and human cases reported annually since 2019.

“But this is concerning because it’s spreading, and the numbers are higher than they’ve been for a while,” added Prof Wren. “It’s a case of education, humans need to be taught not to handle wild animals, or eat them, if they can avoid it.”
...
Although infected animals die quickly from an anthrax infection, their carcasses show little sign of disease, making it easier for humans to catch the lethal pathogen through touch or by consuming infected meat.

“It’s a lethal organism. If you get anthrax in your blood, it produces one of the world’s most toxic toxins, which kills rapidly,” said Professor Wren.
...
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/global-...es-surge-across-african-countries-infections/