Global Times.
The World Health Organization said on the 11th that five African countries, Zambia, Kenya, Malawi, Uganda and Zimbabwe, had an outbreak of anthrax, with more than 1,100 suspected cases found and 20 deaths.
According to the Associated Press, the WHO said that the five countries mentioned above have seasonal anthrax outbreaks every year, but Zambia is facing its worst situation since 2011. As of 20 November, Zambia has reported 684 suspected cases, 4 deaths, and cases in 9 of the country's 10 provinces. Among them, 26 people are suspected to have contracted the disease from eating contaminated hippopotamus meat. These patients experienced ulceration on their faces, arms, and fingers after consuming wild hippopotamus meat.
Anthrax is reported to be a zoonotic disease that mainly affects herbivores such as cattle and sheep and is transmitted through the spores of Bacillus anthracis. Unless they have been in contact with infected animals or their products, the average person will not be easily infected. Anthrax outbreaks in these countries can be caused by a variety of factors, including climate change, food insecurity, vaccine shortages, low risk awareness and exposure to infected animals, WHO said. WHO reminds that although timely** can reduce the anthrax fatality rate to less than 1%, it is recommended that practitioners in relevant industries take precautions, clean and get vaccinated in a timely manner. (Tong Yunchong).