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Healthcare News | Global Public Healthcare
Anthrax Outbreak Prompts Emergency Response in Eastern DRC
Time to read: 01:10
Published: 4 May 2025
Health authorities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), supported by the World Health Organization (WHO), are intensifying efforts to contain an anthrax outbreak in North Kivu Province, near the border with Uganda.
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So far, 16 suspected and one confirmed human case have been reported, including one death. The outbreak spans four health zones around Lake Edward and is linked to an ongoing outbreak in Uganda’s Kabale district, where seven suspected cases have been recorded.
The WHO is assisting with disease surveillance, medical supplies, and epidemiological investigations to trace the source and transmission pathways. Livestock vaccination campaigns and public awareness efforts are underway, alongside veterinary teams disposing of infected animal carcases to reduce further risk.
“We’re focused on breaking the animal-to-human transmission cycle and strengthening response measures,” said Dr Boureima Sambo, WHO’s representative in the DRC.
Initial alerts were raised on 22 March in Virunga National Park after dozens of buffaloes and hippopotamuses were found dead. Given anthrax’s animal origins and its potential to infect humans via direct contact or contaminated meat, authorities are applying a One Health approach, integrating animal, human, and environmental health strategies.
Anthrax presents in three forms—cutaneous, gastrointestinal, and inhalational—all of which require urgent treatment. While treatable with antibiotics, the human vaccine is limited to high-risk occupational groups.
Cross-border coordination between the DRC and Uganda is ongoing to ensure a comprehensive and united outbreak response.
This article was compiled with information obtained from various sources including:
1 May 2025 | WHO Press Release | Scaling up response to anthrax outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
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