DRC battles Anthrax outbreak in North Kivu near Ugandan border

DRC— The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has intensified its emergency response to contain an anthrax outbreak in the eastern province of North Kivu, with assistance from the World Health Organization (WHO).

Since the outbreak began, 16 suspected and one confirmed human cases have been reported, and sadly, one person has died.

The affected areas span four health zones around Lake Edward, which sits on the border between the DRC and Uganda.

Notably, this outbreak is linked to a similar situation on the Ugandan side of the lake, where seven suspected human cases have been identified in the Kabale district.

To address the crisis, authorities are implementing a range of measures.

These include intensified disease surveillance, thorough investigations to trace the source and chains of transmission, and the delivery of medical supplies and treatment for those affected.

In addition, vaccination campaigns for livestock are underway, as animals are a primary source of infection for humans.

The WHO and DRC health officials are also working closely with their counterparts in Uganda to coordinate cross-border efforts, aiming to contain the outbreak and prevent further spread.

Dr. Boureima Sambo, the WHO Representative in the DRC, emphasized that the main goal is to quickly stop the transmission of anthrax from animals to humans.

He highlighted that close collaboration with the government, local communities, and partners is essential to strengthen public health protections now and in the future.

The outbreak has not only affected people but has also caused significant animal deaths.

In Virunga National Park, dozens of buffaloes and hippopotamuses have died, with carcasses lining the banks of local rivers.

In response, veterinary teams are vaccinating livestock in nearby communities and ensuring the safe disposal of animal carcasses to minimize the risk of further infections.

Public awareness campaigns have also been launched to educate residents about preventive measures, such as avoiding contact with dead animals and not drinking water from potentially contaminated rivers.

Anthrax is a serious bacterial disease, primarily affecting animals but capable of infecting people who handle contaminated animals or animal products, or who eat undercooked meat from infected animals.

The disease is not generally spread from person to person. In humans, anthrax can appear in three forms: cutaneous (through the skin), gastrointestinal (from eating contaminated meat), and inhalation (from breathing in spores).

The cutaneous form is the most common and usually responds well to antibiotics if treated promptly. All forms require hospitalization and medical care.

Efforts to control the outbreak are guided by the One Health approach, which recognizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health.

By tackling the disease in animals, authorities aim to protect human health as well.

This comprehensive response-from prevention and detection to treatment and public education-is crucial for managing the outbreak and strengthening overall health security in the region.

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