Anthrax

• The World Health Organisation (WHO) has reported a significant anthrax outbreak in five countries in East and southern Africa.
• A total of 1,166 suspected cases had been reported in Kenya, Malawi, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
• The outbreaks in all five countries were “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.”

ABOUT ANTHRAX

• According to Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), anthrax is a highly infectious disease that is caused by the gram-positive, rod-shaped bacteria known as Bacillus anthracis.
• Anthrax usually affects livestock like cattle, sheep and goats, as well as wild herbivores.
• Humans can be infected if they are exposed to the animals or contaminated animal products.
• Anthrax is not generally considered to be contagious between humans, although there have been rare cases of person-to-person transmission.
• Anthrax bacteria also occurs naturally in soil.
• Symptoms- The disease manifests in three forms depending on the route of infection
  • Cutaneous anthrax, the most common form, presents with itchy bumps that develop into black sores, often accompanied by fever and muscle aches.
  • Gastrointestinal anthrax resembles food poisoning initially but can escalate to severe abdominal pain and bloody diarrhoea.
  • Inhalational anthrax, the deadliest form, starts with cold-like symptoms before progressing to severe respiratory distress and shock.
• Treatment for anthrax is available and includes antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin, doxycycline, or levofloxacin.
• Vaccines are also available for both livestock and humans (although human vaccines are typically reserved for those at high occupational risk.)