PUNCH NEWS
Zambia has recorded at least 684 suspected human cases of anthrax, including four deaths, according to the World Health Organisation.
The WHO disclosed this in its Disease Outbreak News obtained by our correspondent on Friday.
The global health body stated that this unprecedented outbreak marks the first major occurrence spanning nine out of 10 country provinces.
Anthrax is a zoonotic disease caused by a bacteria called Bacillus anthracis that typically affects ruminants (such as cows, sheep, and goats). The bacteria produce extremely potent toxins which are responsible for the symptoms, causing a high lethality rate in the pulmonary form
Humans can develop the disease from infected animals or through contaminated animal products.
Hospitalisation is required for all human cases identified. Vaccines are available for livestock and humans in limited supply.
The United Nation warned that the risk of the event spreading within Zambia is assessed to be high due to the unrestricted animal movement and carcasses within and between provinces…
