Anthrax Outbreaks in Five African Countries, WHO Reports

Zambia experiences worst outbreak since 2011, with risk of spread to neighboring countries.

Five countries in East and southern Africa are experiencing anthrax outbreaks, with over 1,100 suspected cases and 20 deaths reported this year.
Zambia is facing its worst outbreak since 2011, with 684 suspected cases and four deaths reported as of November 20.
Anthrax is a bacterial disease that typically affects livestock and can infect humans through exposure to infected animals or contaminated objects.
Anthrax can be prevented with vaccines in both animals and humans, but must be treated swiftly with antibiotics and antitoxin, and often requires hospitalization.
The World Health Organization warns of a high risk that the Zambian outbreak could spread to neighboring countries.