Public Health Concern:
Outbreak of Anthrax in Zambia.
Over 100 Cases Recorded in Sinazongwe District
There has been an outbreak of anthrax in Zambia, with over 100 cases recorded in the Sinazongwe District.
This is a serious public health concern as anthrax is a highly infectious and potentially deadly disease.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), anthrax is a serious infectious disease caused by the bacterium bacillus anthracis. It primarily affects animals, particularly herbivores such as cattle, sheep, and goats. However, it can also infect humans through direct contact with infected animals or their products including consuming such affected meat products.
Anthrax is considered a zoonotic disease, meaning it can be transmitted from animals to humans.
Prevention of anthrax primarily involves vaccination of animals and appropriate handling and disposal of animal products. In some high-risk occupations, such as veterinarians and laboratory workers, vaccination may also be recommended for humans. Additionally, public health measures such as surveillance and rapid response to outbreaks are crucial in preventing the spread of anthrax.
The Zambian government has taken measures to contain the outbreak, including vaccinating livestock and implementing public health measures such as isolating affected areas and providing medical treatment to those infected.
However, the outbreak highlights the need for ongoing surveillance and preparedness to prevent and respond to such outbreaks in the future.
Source: Center for development Communication Zambia.. (CDC)