DRC - Anthrax outbreak 2025

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Virunga National Park
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/https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Virunga_National_Park
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DRC: Unknown disease attacks animals in Virunga National Park

Tuesday, April 8, 2025 - 1:01 PM

The alert was issued this Tuesday by the Congolese Institute for Nature Conservation (ICCN), which is drawing the attention of the populations living near Virunga National Park. It concerns an epizootic (contagious animal disease) that has been reported "in certain areas of the Lac du Parc sector."

"Although this disease currently mainly affects wildlife, it poses a potential risk of transmission to humans (zoonosis), as well as to domestic animals, if adequate precautionary measures are not followed," said the statement from the provincial park management.

According to a source within the park, the disease "has already affected mainly hippos." The hippos are found in Lake Edward, which is part of this protected area.

To avoid contracting the disease, residents of the park are urged to avoid contact with sick or dead animals, whether domestic or wild; not to consume the meat of an animal found dead or sick, even after cooking; avoid hunting, the consumption of bush meat, and the trade in live or dead wild animals.

Virunga National Park has been facing serious challenges in recent years due to the activism of the AFC/M23 rebel group, which occupies a large part of this world heritage site. Due to insecurity, park services do not have control over all sites, including animal and wildlife species.​

https://actualite.cd/2025/04/08/rdc-une-maladie-inconnue-attaque-les-animaux-au-parc-des-virunga

 

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Around fifty hippos are victims of anthrax in the DRC

Around fifty hippos have died from anthrax, the disease that causes anthrax, in Virunga National Park in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the park's director told AFP on Tuesday.

This content was published on April 8, 2025 - 3:17 p.m.
(Keystone-ATS)

The hippos were found floating in recent days in a river south of Lake Edward, which separates the DRC from Uganda, in the province of North Kivu, added Emmanuel de Merode.

The provincial directorate of the Congolese Institute for Nature Conservation (ICCN) in North Kivu recommended the implementation of precautionary measures following "the appearance of an epizootic in the peripheral areas of the Virunga National Park," in a press release published on Tuesday.

"Although this disease currently mainly affects wildlife, it poses a potential risk of transmission to humans (zoonosis), as well as to domestic animals," said the institution, which manages national parks in the DRC.

The ICCN recommends in particular avoiding all contact with dead animals or consuming bush meat.

Transmissible to humans

The bacterium Bacillus anthracis, which survives for decades in the form of spores in soil where animals that died of anthrax or were carriers of the disease were buried in the past, is transmissible to humans and potentially fatal in its rarest forms.

Virunga National Park, Africa's oldest nature reserve, was established in 1925. It is renowned for its wildlife, particularly its mountain gorillas, and its magnificent landscapes. It is also at the heart of the conflict zones that have been tearing eastern Congo apart for the past 30 years.

Hippopotamuses and other mammals have already been victims of anthrax on several occasions in Virunga National Park, as in other natural parks in Africa.

​https://www.swissinfo.ch/fre/une-ci...imes-de-la-maladie-du-charbon-en-rdc/89131911

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Raha Voice Vitshumbi Community Radio
1d ·

North Kivu: Resurgence of anthrax in the PNVI: 26 cases of hippopotamus deaths recorded

New cases of anthrax have been detected in Virunga National Park, in the lake sector, in Lulimbi, nestled between the shores of Lake Edward and the Ugandan border, in the Binza group, in the Rutshuru territory, in the east of the DRC.

According to local sources, at least 26 hippopotamuses infected with the disease have been found dead since Sunday, March 6, 2025. These sources are warning residents of the villages of Vitshumbi, Nyakakoma, Lunyasenge, Kyavinyonge, Taliha and other surrounding areas, advising them not to consume the meat of these animals to avoid transmission of the disease to humans.

"I am currently in Lulimbi. We have counted 26 hippopotamus carcasses affected by anthrax. Yesterday, there were already 26 carcasses. This morning, we discovered nine more deaths," our sources in Lulimbi report.

This resurgence of anthrax comes three years after a previous report in the same region. A joint press release from the ICCN and the North Kivu provincial government, published on April 22, 2021, stated that 10 hippopotamuses and buffaloes had succumbed to this disease in the Ishasha River, within the Binza group. This document also indicated that this disease is recurrent in animals, particularly in the Lulimbi region and in Queen Elizabeth National Park in Uganda.

Other sources close to the Congolese Institute for Nature Conservation, speaking on condition of anonymity, announced that a team of veterinarians was dispatched to the area to save the animals already affected, isolating and destroying the carcasses to prevent the spread of the disease in the territory of the Virunga National Park.

"A team is on site, sent by the park director to treat the animals already affected by this disease," our source said.

A contagious disease between animals and humans

Anthrax is transmissible between humans and animals. In animals, it manifests as a high fever accompanied by tremors and difficulty breathing, often without warning signs. In humans, it can manifest as blisters on the skin, causing chills, fatigue, vomiting, and chest discomfort.

Pulmonary infections are less common; meningeal and gastrointestinal infections are rare. In inhalation and gastrointestinal infections, nonspecific local symptoms are usually followed within a few days by severe generalized manifestations, shock, and often death, according to the World Health Organization (WHO) in a July 2024 communication.

Ecological tragedy between poaching and anthrax

Since the 1970s, Virunga National Park, which once had 29,000 hippos around Lake Edward, has seen its population decline by 95%.

"The number has decreased by 95% due to poaching, an unfortunate consequence of the instability in the region," reads the official website of Virunga National Park.

Furthermore, Mikanda and Siwayitira, in their socio-economic study on the standard of living of fishing communities around Lake Edward, report that Park regulations are not respected and that ineffective enforcement mechanisms have led to overfishing and the decline of hippopotamuses.

So far, no official communication has been made.

Victoire KATEMBO MBUTO, Community Radio Raha Voice Vitshumbi

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https://www.facebook.com/6156189582...nvi-26-cas-de-décès-dhipp/122145629972396527/




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DRC: Dozens of hippos wiped out in three days by anthrax in Virunga National Park
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Wednesday, April 9, 2025 - 07:45

Virunga National Park has issued a health alert following the outbreak of anthrax. According to park sources, nearly 50 hippos have died in the waters of the Rutshuru River and Lake Edward, which are part of the park, over the course of three days as of Tuesday, April 8. This potentially fatal bacterial zoonosis was initially detected on the border with Lake Edward, near Uganda, in the Binza grouping.

Park authorities have observed an increase in the number of hippopotamus carcasses floating in the lake, particularly near the towns of Vitshumbi, Nyakakoma, Lunyasenge, and Kyavinyonge. In response, they immediately alerted local communities, advising them not to handle or consume the meat of the dead animals found, to avoid any risk of contamination.

"On April 5, 2025, samples were taken and sent to the Goma Veterinary Laboratory. After analysis of the samples, the result was positive on April 8, 2025," said Méthode Uhoze, External Relations Officer of Virunga National Park.

Anthrax disease is spread primarily through direct contact with infected animals or their carcasses, but can also be transmitted to humans, particularly through the consumption of contaminated meat. To limit the spread of the disease, park authorities recommend that local residents refrain from contact with sick or dead animals, not consume their meat, even after cooking, and cease all hunting or trade in live or dead wild animals.

The affected area, which is under the control of the AFC/M23 rebels, makes access to some localities difficult, complicating efforts to control the epidemic. However, authorities continue to raise awareness among local populations about the seriousness of the situation and emphasize the need for cooperation to prevent the disease from spreading further.

Joshua Mutanava, in Goma

https://actualite.cd/2025/04/09/rdc...n-trois-jours-par-anthrax-au-parc-des-virunga

 

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DRC: Anthrax Outbreak Kills at Least 50 Hippos in Africa’s Oldest National Park

Source: https://gizmodo.com/anthrax-outbrea...os-in-africas-oldest-national-park-2000586587


Anthrax Outbreak Kills at Least 50 Hippos in Africa’s Oldest National Park
At least 50 hippos and other large animals at Virunga National Park in the DRC are thought to be killed by the bacterial disease.
By Ed Cara Published April 8, 2025​

Anthrax has caused a mass die-off of hippos living inside Africa’s oldest nature reserve in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Officials at Virunga National Park report that at least 50 hippos, along with other large animals, were recently killed by the bacterial disease.

Media outlets reported on the hippo slaughter Tuesday, which appears to have begun last week. According to park park director Emmanuel de Merode, the hippos were found dead floating in a river south of Lake Edward. Though officials have reached the area, they haven’t been able to recover and bury the bodies yet.

“It’s difficult due to lack of access and logistics,” De Merode told Reuters. “We have the means to limit the spread (of the disease) by…burying them with caustic soda.”​...

 

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DRC: Around fifty hippos found dead in Virunga National Park

Some fifty hippos were found dead on Tuesday, April 8, in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Their bodies were floating in a river in Virunga National Park, in the east of the country. According to park authorities, the animals were killed by anthrax, a bacterium capable of surviving for decades in the form of spores in the soil. Transmissible to humans, the risk of spread to local populations is a concern for the Congo Basin Conservation Society, an organization dedicated to protecting the Congo Basin.

Published on:10/04/2025 - 10:46
Modified on:10/04/2025 - 10:48

By :
RFI

The bodies of the first hippos were found near the village of Lulimbi, according to Ladislas Witanene of the Congo Basin Conservation Society. Alerted, the Congolese Institute for Nature Conservation and the Virunga National Park launched a study to identify the cause of the epizootic—an animal epidemic—and warn the population accordingly.

" There's a big risk because this part of the Democratic Republic of Congo is going through a period of war ," commented Ladislas Witanene, interviewed by Pauline Berger of RFI's Environment service. " The population needs food. When you go into the forest and find a dead hippopotamus, for some, it's meat! But it's a danger because we don't know what the hippopotamus died of. "

Map of the area

Authorities recommend avoiding contact with dead animals , not consuming bush meat, and boiling water before drinking. But according to Ladislas Witanene, the government will also need to better map the area in the future.

" Most of the areas of hippos and other animals are not mapped at the level of our villages; but also (it is) a question of seeing to what extent we can fence off these already identified areas where there are species or in one way or another their disease can be transmitted to the population. "

Contacted, Virunga National Park indicated that it was removing the bodies from the river using excavators. It also stated that anthrax can be treated with antibiotics.

https://www.rfi.fr/fr/afrique/20250...mes-retrouvés-morts-parc-national-des-virunga

 

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Democratic Republic of Congo Society

At least 50 hippos dead in DRC

Pascal Mapenzi | Wendy Bashi
04/16/2025April 16, 2025

In eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, at least 50 hippos have died in Lake Edward, in the heart of Virunga National Park, since last month.

These hippos are believed to have died from anthrax. The Congolese Institute for Nature Conservation (ICCN) reported the outbreak of this animal disease, which can be transmitted to humans, on the east coast of Lake Edward , near the Ishasha River, northeast of Rutshuru territory . Barrier measures have been put in place to prevent any contamination of the population, but these are not always respected.

"We are really sad, most of the population used to get their water from the lake. This disease worries us a lot," said Justin Kasembo, a resident of Vitshumbi, a fishing enclave located on Lake Edward, in Rutshuru territory, in North Kivu province. He was informed of the health measure that the ICCN has been recommending since the outbreak of a disease that is killing hippos in the lake.

This measure requires people to boil lake water before drinking it. But Justin Kasembo explains that it will be difficult to do without lake water.

"We have nowhere else to find water. To get it, we would have to go to other villages. But there too, water is very expensive. A 20-liter container costs between 3,000 and 4,000 Congolese francs. Unfortunately, if we have to continue getting our water from the lake, not everyone will have the courage to boil the lake water to avoid contamination."

The first alerts date back to March 7, when at least 30 hippos were found dead in Lake Edward, near the Ishasha River, the natural border between the DRC and Uganda.

The provincial management of the Congolese Institute for Nature Conservation in North Kivu immediately informed the populations living near the park of the presence of a contagious animal disease.

In its April 8 press release, the ICCN did not explain the origin of the disease, but warned that "although this disease currently mainly affects wildlife, it poses a potential risk of transmission to humans, as well as domestic animals."

Its press release therefore asks the population living near the lake and the park to avoid all contact with sick or dead animals, whether domestic or wild.

Justin Kasayi, a veterinarian in charge of the fisheries and livestock service in the area, also banned the consumption of any meat from areas affected by this zoonosis. According to Justin Kasayi, laboratory tests have confirmed that it is indeed anthrax, or anthrax.

"The ICCN told us about fifty hippos that have already died, and we have tried to take some precautionary measures. Since it is a zoonosis, we have banned the population from consuming meat that has not been inspected by veterinarians, and we have also banned the consumption of smoked meat within families."

Lake Edward runs through Virunga National Park and is shared between the DRC and Uganda. But this lake is also home to illegal fishing. Village chiefs, local veterinarians, and eco-guards have been tasked with preventing fishing in areas affected by anthrax.

They must also ensure that hunting in Virunga Park, the consumption of bush meat, and the trade in wild animals, whether live or dead, are banned in order to contain this epidemic.

What is anthrax?

What do we know about this disease which can also be transmitted to humans?

We asked Josué Aruna, executive director of the Congo Basin Conservation Society and president of environmental civil society in North Kivu, the question.

Click on the audio above to hear his answers on Wendy Bashi's mic.

"No measures have been taken to eradicate the disease" (Josué Aruna)
(Audio in French)


https://www.dw.com/fr/rdc-anthrax-m...-est-rdc-parc-virunga-hippopotames/a-72258838

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https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/6422

 

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/https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lubero
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Anthrax, anthrax disease confirmed in North Kivu

Friday, April 18, 2025 - 09:54

The North Kivu provincial government issued a health alert this Thursday, April 17, following cases of anthrax in several health zones, including Lubero, Butembo, and Binza. Other parts of the province also remain under surveillance. Anthrax is a zoonosis caused by Bacillus anthracis, a bacterium that can infect both animals and humans.

Although the disease primarily affects livestock, transmission to humans can occur through direct contact with infected animals or through the consumption of contaminated meat. Handling the carcasses of diseased animals, as was recently observed in Lubero, is particularly risky.

“As our province mobilizes to end the Mpox epidemic, I want to alert you to the risk of the outbreak of another disease, called anthrax, or anthrax. Anthrax is an acute and infectious disease caused by a bacterium present in the soil. It primarily affects animals, but can also affect and kill humans. Anyone showing suspicious clinical signs is urged to go to a health facility immediately. It is imperative to avoid all contact with dead or sick animals, as well as the consumption of animal products of uncertain origin,” said Luanda Kamala, the governor’s senior advisor on health.

This alert follows cases reported in the Bashu chiefdom (Beni territory) in June 2024, and more recently in Lubero, where the local health zone has reported several suspected cases since April 11. According to medical sources, four people have been identified, one of whom has already died. The other three have been transferred to the UCG/Horizon university clinics in Butembo for treatment.

Initial analyses indicate that the infection may have occurred after contact with a dead cow. Anthrax can manifest itself in several ways, depending on the route of infection. Cutaneous forms cause characteristic lesions—papules and vesicles resembling burns—often located on the hands and arms. More severe forms can cause fever, muscle pain, difficulty breathing, abdominal pain, or even bloody diarrhea.

The pulmonary form, although rare, is the most dangerous, with a high risk of mortality if not treated promptly. However, health professionals point out that anthrax can be effectively treated with antibiotics, provided it is diagnosed early.

Faced with this threat, provincial authorities are stepping up efforts to contain the spread of the disease. Colonel Kiwewa Mitela Alain, administrator of the Lubero territory, issued a statement on Thursday, April 17, urging the population to exercise caution. He recommended, in particular, avoiding touching or consuming the meat of an animal that has died of unknown causes; washing hands regularly with soap; and disinfecting any equipment in contact with animal products.

Health services are also intensifying epidemiological surveillance and community awareness campaigns. With the first human infections already confirmed, authorities are calling on the public to fully cooperate with health teams to prevent a possible epidemic outbreak.

Joshua Mutanava, in Goma

https://actualite.cd/2025/04/18/lanthrax-maladie-du-charbon-confirmee-au-nord-kivu

 

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DRC: 8 cases of anthrax including 1 death recorded in North Kivu

Tuesday, April 22, 2025 - 8:00 AM

The Ministry of Health has warned of the existence of a zoonosis called "Anthrax" reported in the Virunga National Park region, particularly in Lake Edward, in North Kivu. During its strategic coordination meeting on the health and humanitarian situation in the DRC, the health sector technical group reported 8 suspected cases and 1 death (5 health zones in Lubero and 3 health zones in Binza).

According to the Ministry of Health, about fifty hippopotamus carcasses and two buffalo carcasses were found floating in the waters of Lake Edward in Virunga National Park. It later reported that two hippopotamuses, one buffalo, and four cows (including two carcasses reported in Uganda, at Queen Elizabeth National Park) were affected by the disease.

The ministry also said it is taking measures and steps to protect the people living around the park. It also stated that it is continuing its search for other dead and sick animals using drones.

As a reminder, the provincial authorities of North Kivu issued a press release last Thursday calling on the local population not to consume hippopotamus meat to avoid contamination.

Anthrax, also known as anthrax, is caused by a spore-forming bacterium and primarily affects animals. Humans can contract the bacteria through contact with an infected animal or its carcasses, but it can also be transmitted to humans, particularly through the consumption of contaminated meat.

Symptoms depend on the route of infection. They can range from a skin ulcer with a dark crust to difficulty breathing.

Thanks GUKA

https://actualite.cd/2025/04/22/rdc-8-cas-danthrax-dont-1-deces-enregistres-au-nord-kivu

 

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Six suspected cases of anthrax including one death in the Lubero health zone

Published on Mon, 04/28/2025 - 09:30 | Modified on Mon, 04/28/2025 - 09:30

Six suspected cases of anthrax , also known as "anthrax," have been reported in the Kasalala health area, located in Lubero territory, North Kivu province. According to the health zone's chief physician, Dr. Cyrille Mumbere Musivirwa, one death has already been recorded among the identified cases.

Dr. Cyrille Mumbere Musivirwa confirms that the epicenter of the disease is in the Kasalala health area, where all those affected work or reside. He also states that health authorities are on alert and closely monitoring the situation. Despite the panic caused by the outbreak of the disease and the recorded death, the health zone's chief physician calls for calm:

"There's no need to be afraid. What's important is prevention. We must follow the measures recommended in the response to the Ebola virus disease: regular handwashing, avoiding contact with sick people, and reporting symptoms very quickly," he said.

Faced with this situation, Dr. Mumbere emphasizes the importance of preventive measures to limit the spread of the disease. He recalls the barrier measures already adopted during previous epidemics, notably the Ebola epidemic, which can also be applied in this context. These include regular hand washing, avoiding all contact with sick people, and promptly reporting any suspected cases discovered.

Anthrax, or anthrax, is a serious bacterial infection caused by Bacillus anthracis. It can be transmitted through direct contact with infected animals or their by-products, but also, in some cases, through inhalation or ingestion of bacterial spores. Symptoms vary depending on the route of exposure, but the disease can be fatal if not treated promptly.

https://www.radiookapi.net/2025/04/...dont-un-deces-dans-la-zone-de-sante-de-lubero

 

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Democratic Republic of Congo strengthens response to anthrax epidemic

May 1, 2025

Kinshasa – Health authorities in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), with support from the World Health Organization (WHO), are stepping up emergency response efforts to control an anthrax outbreak, with 16 suspected cases and one confirmed human case reported in the eastern province of North Kivu.

One death has been recorded among the cases. The outbreak has affected four health zones around Lake Edward, on the border between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda. It is linked to the ongoing outbreak on the Ugandan side of the lake, where seven suspected human cases have been reported in Kabale District (west). Response efforts are underway, including livestock vaccination.

In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, WHO is conducting an assessment to determine the risk of further spread of the infection and supporting health authorities to strengthen the response, including disease surveillance and investigation to identify the source of the outbreak and transmission chains, as well as the provision of medical supplies and treatment. WHO is also facilitating cross-border coordination between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda to improve the response to the outbreak.

“Our efforts are focused on rapidly interrupting animal-to-human transmission. We are working closely with the government, communities, and partners to strengthen response measures to protect public health now and in the future,” said Dr. Boureima Hama Sambo, WHO Representative in the DRC.

To effectively respond to the outbreak, WHO and its partners are working under the unified "One Health" approach to protect human, environmental, and animal health, recognizing the interconnectedness of the three aspects and the need for comprehensive measures.

Anthrax is a bacterial infection that primarily affects animals. Humans can contract the disease directly or indirectly from infected animals, or through exposure to infected or contaminated animal products. In humans, anthrax is generally not considered contagious, although rare cases of person-to-person transmission occur.

The disease has three forms in humans, all requiring prompt medical attention. The most common is cutaneous anthrax, which occurs when spores come into contact with broken skin, causing an itchy bump that develops into a black sore. This form can also lead to headaches, muscle pain, fever, and vomiting. Gastrointestinal anthrax occurs after consuming infected meat, causing symptoms similar to food poisoning that can worsen to severe abdominal pain, bloody vomit, and diarrhea. The rarest and most serious form is inhalation anthrax, which results from inhaling the spores, beginning with cold-like symptoms before quickly progressing to severe respiratory problems and shock. All human cases of anthrax require hospitalization.

The disease is treatable with antibiotics, which must be prescribed by a healthcare professional. Vaccines are available for livestock and humans. However, human vaccines are in limited supply and are used primarily to protect selected individuals with possible occupational exposure to anthrax.

The first alerts regarding the epidemic in the Democratic Republic of Congo were issued on March 22, 2025, in Virunga National Park, where dozens of buffalo and hippopotamuses died.

Efforts are underway to vaccinate livestock in communities living near rivers, while veterinary teams safely dispose of animal carcasses to prevent potential infection, and public awareness campaigns are being intensified to reinforce preventative measures.

Preventing disease in animals helps protect human health. The One Health response is essential to address the full spectrum of disease control—from prevention to detection, preparedness, response, and management—contributing to global health security.


https://www.afro.who.int/fr/countri...ongo-renforce-la-reponse-lepidemie-du-charbon
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Situation Report: Anthrax Disease Outbreak - North Kivu, April 30, 2025

Format Situation Report Source

• WHO

Posted May 2, 2025 Originally published May 2, 2025

• Download Report(PDF | 1.01 MB)

I. CONTEXT & HISTORY OF THE EVENT

▪ North Kivu Province is one of the 26 provinces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), located in the east and sharing a long border with Rwanda to the southeast and Uganda to the northeast. It is surrounded by the provinces of South Kivu to the south, Maniema and Tshopo to the west and Ituri to the north. It has been affected for more than 2 decades by an armed conflict that has displaced more than 2 million people, and is currently facing an outbreak of cholera, mpox and measles cases.

▪ On March 22, 2025, a cluster of hippopotamus deaths was reported on the Ishasha River in the Binza health zone, Nyakakoma health area and on the shores of Lake Edward (border with Uganda), in the Virunga National Park. On March 29, samples taken from the new cases of hippopotamus deaths confirmed an anthrax epizootic. From March 22 to April 30, 2025, suspected anthrax deaths were recorded in 75 hippopotamuses, 10 buffaloes and 5 cows. Some of these dead cows were unfortunately handled without precaution or consumed by some inhabitants of the Lubero health zone.

▪ On April 6, 2025, the first suspected cases of Anthrax in humans were reported in the Binza health zone, Nyakakoma health area, followed a few days later by cases in the Lubero health zone.

▪ On April 28, 2025, Bacillus Anthracis was isolated from one of the 6 samples received from the Lubero health zone by the Mérieux Laboratory in Goma (INRB Goma). This resurgence of animal and human anthrax occurs two years after a previous outbreak in the same region and follows another ongoing anthrax outbreak in Queen Elizabeth Park, declared by Ugandan authorities on April 7 in Kabale District. These parks (Virunga in the DRC and Queen Elizabeth in Uganda) repeatedly record cases of anthrax in animals, especially during the rainy season.


​https://reliefweb.int/report/democr...e-la-maladie-danthrax-nord-kivu-30-avril-2025

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Congo (Dem. Rep. of the) - Anthrax - Follow up report 3

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EPIDEMIOLOGICAL COMMENTS

Event 3699 of 2021 took place in the same place, Virunga National Park. Following the volcanic eruption in Goma, which led to the closure of the airport at the time, experts no longer went out into the field to manage anthrax outbreaks. Now we're facing new outbreaks. Given that these hippos are more likely to stay in the water than on land during the day, controlling the disease seems to be difficult. The dead hippos have been taken out of the water to be destroyed in accordance with operating procedures. The Provincial Directorate of the Congolese Institute for the Conservation of Nature (Institut Congolais de Conservation de la Nature, ICCN), which manages the parks and protected areas, in collaboration with the provincial health authorities, has declared the disease deadly for hippos. It has issued measures to protect the surrounding population of Virunga National Park.
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NEW OUTBREAKS

ob_159996 - Bwisha
ob_159995 - Lulimbi

PREVIOUSLY REPORTED OUTBREAKS

ob_156844 - Vitshumbi
ob_156843 - Lulimbi
ob_155976 - Kagezi
ob_155975 - Nyakakoma
ob_155972 - Vitshumbi
ob_155404 - Chanika
ob_155403 - Kibahari
ob_155402 - Kihangiro
ob_155401 - Kyavinyonge

https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/6422​

 

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WHO takes action in response to anthrax outbreak in DRC

July 2, 2025

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Goma – Pierre*, 57, was admitted to a health center in the Lubero area in mid-May after experiencing severe itching of his right hand, followed by pruritus and swelling extending to his forearm. He was treated, and given his unusual symptoms, samples were taken and sent for analysis to the National Institute of Biomedical Research (INRB) Laboratory in Goma.

Previously, an alert was issued in late March 2025 after the death of dozens of buffalo and hippopotamuses in Virunga National Park in North Kivu. Samples taken on March 29 from a freshly dead hippopotamus and examined at the Goma Veterinary Laboratory revealed the presence of spores of the bacillus responsible for anthrax, or anthrax.

Anthrax is a bacterial zoonosis (disease transmissible from animals to humans) that typically affects ruminants (cows, sheep, and goats). Humans can become infected through contact with a sick animal or contaminated products (such as meat, blood, wool, hides, and bones). All human forms of the disease (cutaneous, gastrointestinal, and respiratory) require hospitalization and medical care.

To ensure a multisectoral response to this worrying health situation, the national departments of health, environment, fisheries and livestock, with the support of partners including the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, FAO and the Africa CDC, have implemented the "One Health" approach.

Close collaboration between human, animal and environmental health services has been aimed at protecting lives in the face of the health emergency.

Thus, a delegation composed of these departments and organizations visited the health zones of Binza and Rutshuru from May 25 to 28, 2025, with the aim of strengthening surveillance and response to outbreaks of suspected cases of anthrax in the health zones of Binza and Lubero.

"One of the high-impact measures led by the national side with the support of partners was the development of the national multisectoral plan for preparedness and response to the anthrax epidemic. Through this joint approach implemented in the response, we can ensure a comprehensive response, ranging from prevention activities to the clinical management of patients. We are confident that this health threat will soon end," said Dr. Aline Katerekwa Ntamushigo, Supervising Physician at the National Emergency and Humanitarian Action Program (PNUAH). "Our discussions with stakeholders on the ground help to effectively manage this risk to protect humans, animals, and the environment."

Since the outbreak was announced, WHO has supported response efforts on several fronts. Dr. Célestin Ndaliko , a surveillance epidemiologist at the WHO office in the DRC, was a member of the response team that traveled to Binza. "There are major challenges in terms of disease detection. So every anthrax case investigation becomes an act of resilience, a glimmer of hope to prevent the spread of this devastating disease."

As of May 26, 2025, 24 suspected human cases of anthrax have been reported, with the deaths of 9 goats, one cow, 60 hippopotamuses, and 27 buffalo reported in four health zones in the eastern province of North Kivu.

"Our support has been provided at several levels, and we are particularly committed to ensuring appropriate care for those affected. In the majority of cases, the disease can be cured with antibiotics, which must be prescribed by a healthcare professional," explained Dr. Leopold Ouedraogo, emergency manager for the provinces of North and South Kivu.

WHO has made more than 4 tonnes of medicines available to 12 health facilities, including a large quantity which was handed over to the authorities in the Binza health zone in Rutshuru territory.

"So far, even though our Binza health zone has not yet recorded any human cases, we have what it takes to prevent and prepare for what could happen," reassured Dr. Bernard Kakule, Chief Medical Officer of the Binza health zone.

WHO played a central role in cross-border coordination between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda, facilitating communication and collaboration between the two countries in the face of the re-emergence of anthrax in humans and animals. Surveillance was thus strengthened, notably by activating the "One Health" cell in Rutshuru, to ensure early detection and rapid response in high-risk health areas by integrating the human, animal, and environmental dimensions of health.

To strengthen local capacity, WHO also supported the training of community outreach workers, the development of awareness-raising materials, and the conduct of public awareness and door-to-door campaigns on disease prevention measures. The Organization also donated prevention kits (chlorine, hydroalcoholic gels), essential medicines, and medical equipment for treatment, and encouraged collaboration with technical partners such as the INRB to improve epidemiological surveillance.

Despite security and logistical challenges, WHO support has helped lay the foundations for a coordinated response, while highlighting the need for increased engagement in community outreach, safe carcass management, and vaccination of at-risk animals.

Since the epidemic was announced, 24 people affected have been treated in health facilities in the Binza and Lubero health zones, including Pierre, who left the hospital and resumed his life.

On the ground, teams are still working to continue protecting populations and their herds, with collaboration as the basis of their work in the face of a common threat.


​https://www.afro.who.int/fr/countri...e-dans-la-reponse-lepidemie-de-charbon-en-rdc