Five countries in East and southern Africa are experiencing anthrax outbreaks, with more than 1,100 suspected cases and 20 deaths reported this year, according to the World Health Organization. The countries affected are Kenya, Malawi, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Anthrax usually affects livestock and wild herbivores, with humans being infected if they are exposed to the animals or contaminated animal products. There is also a risk of person-to-person transmission, although it is rare. The outbreaks are linked to several factors such as climatic shocks, food insecurity, low-risk perception, and exposure to the disease through handling the meat of infected animals.
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5 countries in East and southern Africa have anthrax outbreaks, WHO says, with 20 deaths reported
