Namibia: Suspected anthrax outbreak in Kunene Region

[Shiloh]

Source: http://outbreaknewstoday.com/suspected-anthrax-outbreak-namibia-affects-dozens-42968/


Suspected anthrax outbreak in Namibia affects dozens
by News Desk
November 26, 2018


The Ministry of Health and Social Services in Namibia has reported a suspected anthrax outbreak in Opuwo District, Kunene Region, located in the far north-west part of the country.

The outbreak was originally recognized in late October when four patients presented at the district hospital with wounds (skin lesions) and swelling on various parts of their bodies.

It was established that these case-patients had either handled carcasses of dead goats or consumed the meat.

As of 21 November 2018, a total of 52 suspected cases of anthrax were reported, manifesting either as the cutaneous or the gastrointestinal form of the disease...

 

[Shiloh]

Source: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/...-Namibia-50-people-struck-killer-disease.html

Anthrax alert in Namibia as more than 50 people are struck down by the killer disease

52 people in the south-African country are reported to have been infected
Nobody has died yet but the infection can kill within days if not treated
The disease is thought to be spreading through goats, cattle and donkeys
Experts say avoiding eating or touching potentially affected animals is important

By Sam Blanchard Health Reporter For Mailonline
Published: 11:21 EST, 27 November 2018 | Updated: 15:03 EST, 27 November 2018


An anthrax outbreak in the African country of Namibia has struck at least 52 people who have handled or eaten dead goats.

The disease, which is rare in people, can make people vomit blood and is often fatal if not treated quickly.

It is usually caught from animals which have died of the bacterial infection, either by handling their carcasses or eating their meat.

The World Health Organization warned 'the likelihood of more human cases is high' because people in the region have so much contact with potentially sick animals.

At least 52 people are reported to have been infected with anthrax in the Opuwo region in the north-west of Namibia. People are thought to have caught the infection from goats, cattle and donkeys which picked up it up while grazing ? anthrax spores can remain in soil for years...