Zambia: Zambia has recorded the first Anthrax death in Lumezi District, Eastern Province, on December 1, 2023. The disease broke out in the region in October 2023, with the first case being reported on October 14, 2023.
In the last 45 days, Eastern Province has recorded 61 cases of animal and human-borne disease. The healthcare authorities of the region have asked the people of Lumezi and other districts to remain cautious.
Animals primarily carry the virus for the disease. However, if humans are to come into contact with any infected livestock, they also risk contracting the virus.
Eastern Province Health Director Mathews Ng’ambi named the districts which were affected:
- Lumezi 42 cases,
- Mambwe 11 cases
- Lundazi 8 cases.
The Lumezi district is affected worse than its other counterparts and has also recorded a death caused by the virus.
Addressing the situation, Dr Ng’ambi revealed that out of the 61 cases, 10 were laboratory confirmed on October 14. Eight of these cases were from Lumezi, and two from Lundazi.
Meanwhile, the other 51 cases were suspected to have been in contact with meat, which may have been infected with Anthrax.
The Provincial Health Director further says all the cases reported had a history of having consumed meat from Lumezi District. The suspicion arises because the area had a large, easily accessible market for illegally poached meat.
He, however, noted that with the help of different stakeholders, the province has, in the past three weeks, not recorded any new cases of Anthrax.
Dr Ng’ambi urged members of the public in Eastern Province who are in disbelief of the existence of Anthrax and have continued to consume uncertified meat, to purchase meat from reputable marketplaces as Anthrax has been laboratory-confirmed in both humans & animals.
Dr Ng’ambi has cautioned members of the public to be on high alert and report any suspected case to the nearest health facilities.