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What happened, where and when?
Zambia experienced Anthrax outbreak, which was declared by the Minister of Health on the 1st of November 2023. The country recorded its first case of anthrax in October 2023 in Sinazongwe district in the Southern Province. As of the 3rd of November 2023, 15 districts reported cases of Anthrax, namely, Kazungula, Lusaka, Mpika, Chililabombwe, Lumezi, Lundazi, Sioma, Nalolo, Sesheke, Mongu, Livingstone, Choma, Monze, and Kalomo. With the evolution of the outbreak, a cumulative total of 892 cases with 4 deaths were reported from 9 out of 10 provinces as of the 15th of January 2024.
The infected individuals were believed to have come into contact with infected carcasses of livestock and wildlife or consumed meat from infected carcasses while others butchered and carried the meat to the communities. The meat from the carcasses was dried and taken to other districts for sale, hence the spread. Most of the affected districts were those alongside the game parks or located in the game management areas where there is increased human-animal interaction. The dry spell in the country experienced from October to March, negatively impacting livelihoods and food security. The outbreak situation was exacerbated by the effects of the long dry spell experienced in the country. Compared to the previous Anthrax outbreak, Zambia reported by far its most widespread anthrax outbreak ever, with 684 suspected cases and 4 deaths, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported. Households consumed the readily available meat from carcasses due to food inadequacy. Additionally, access to animal health services was limited due to lack of knowledge by the affected populations and by the extent of limited staff in hard-to-reach areas.
Following the declaration of the outbreak by the MOH, a national IMS was activated through a one health approach by the Ministry of Health. A number of measures were put in place for the public to adhere to, including a ban on the movement of animals and, in some areas, a ban on the sale of meat. The MOH, through Zambia National Public Health Institute (ZNPHI), spearheaded interventions using the One Health approach to ensure that the spread of Anthrax among humans and animals was curtailed. The public was encouraged to report suspected cases in communities to their nearest health facilities and veterinary offices. To address the Anthrax outbreak and its potential ramifications, a multidisciplinary and multi-sectoral approach was adopted. This comprehensive strategy brought together various sectors and disciplines to respond effectively to the crisis. It was through this collaborative effort that the Ministry of Health and its multi sectoral response teams took a proactive measure to mitigate the impact of the outbreak and prevented further spread of the disease. Hence there were no cases reported after the end of the operation Zambia last experienced an anthrax outbreak in 2011 where 500 people were infected and 5 deaths were recorded. The outbreak was associated with the consumption of dead hippos meat.
(https://www.cdc.gov/anthrax/resources/features/anthrax-outbreak-zambia.html).