07 Dec 2023 | 02:05 PM UTC
Zambia: Elevated anthrax activity reported in multiple areas through early December
Elevated anthrax activity reported in multiple areas in Zambia through early December. Avoid livestock; use food and water precautions.
Health authorities have reported elevated anthrax activity in multiple areas in Zambia, with a total of 775 cases (25 confirmed, 730 suspected) reported Oct. 12-Dec. 3. The last outbreak of anthrax in Zambia was reported in 2011, in the Chama district, Eastern Province, with 511 total cases reported. Southern Province is most affected, reporting the highest disease activity. Other provinces reporting cases include the Central, Eastern, Lusaka, Muchinga, Northwestern, Southern, and Western Provinces. Local health officials urge the public to avoid buying meat or to only purchase meat from authorized butcheries. Health officials have implemented public sensitization and community engagement campaigns to educate the public on anthrax prevention and control measures. This represents the most complete information available as of Dec. 7.
Practice basic health precautions and strict food and water precautions. Immunization is recommended for high-risk occupations. Avoid contact with animals and animal products in high-risk areas. Avoid eating meat that has not been properly slaughtered and cooked. Seek immediate medical attention if symptoms develop within a week of being in affected areas.
Anthrax is an acute bacterial infection (Bacillus anthracis). Anthrax occurs naturally in soil and is most common in domestic and wild animals. Anthrax may occur in humans who have been exposed to infected animals, tissues from infected animals, or bacterial spores. It is most common in agricultural areas, and human infection usually results from occupational exposure when infected animals or products are handled or spores from the bacteria are inhaled. Anthrax can also be acquired by eating undercooked meat from infected animals. Symptoms typically appear 1-7 days after exposure but can develop up to 2 months after exposure. The symptoms of anthrax depend on the type of infection:
Cutaneous (through a cut or scrape in the skin): Swelling develops at the infection site and progresses to a blister-like appearance. A painless ulcer with a black (dying) area in the center appears after the small blisters or bumps.
Inhalation (through breathing in spores): Symptoms can include fever, chills, shortness of breath, cough, headache, and body aches. After several days, the symptoms may progress to severe breathing problems and shock.
Intestinal (through consumption of infected meat): Symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, fever, sore throat, abdominal pain, vomiting of blood, and severe diarrhea.
