DRC anthrax outbreak: 'Our efforts are focused on swiftly breaking the animal-to-human transmission'
In a follow-up on the anthrax outbreak in North Kivu province, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), health officials are intensifying emergency response efforts to control the outbreak.
To date, 16 suspected and one confirmed human cases have been reported, including one fatality.
The outbreak has affected four health zones around Lake Edward on the border between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda. It is linked to the one that is ongoing on the Ugandan side of the lake, where seven suspected human cases have been reported in the western Kabale district.
In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, WHO is carrying out an assessment to determine the risk of the infection spreading further and is supporting the health authorities to strengthen the response including disease surveillance and investigation to identify the source of the outbreak and chains of transmission, as well as provision of medical supplies and treatment. WHO is also facilitating cross-border coordination between Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda to enhance outbreak response.
“Our efforts are focused on swiftly breaking the animal-to-human transmission. We’re working closely with the government, communities and partners to strengthen response measures to protect public health now and in the future,” said Dr Boureima Sambo, WHO Representative in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
To effectively respond to the outbreak, WHO and partners are working under One Health, a unified approach to safeguard human, environmental and animal health, recognizing the interconnectedness of the three aspects and the need for comprehensive measures.