More than 600 suspected cases of anthrax, a common infectious disease, have been reported in Zambia, Africa.
The World Health Organization (WHO) announced in a press release on the 10th (local time) that 684 suspected cases of anthrax infection, including four deaths, have been reported by November 20 since the first case of anthrax infection was reported in Zambia in May.
It is estimated that the suspected case of anthrax has spread to nine out of 10 states since it was reported in Sinajongwe region in southern Zambia. In Zambia, there have been a large number of suspected infections for the first time in 12 years since 511 suspected cases were reported in 2011.
Anthrax is an infectious disease that can affect both humans and animals, with a fatality rate of 5 to 20%. It is known that ruminants such as cows, sheep, and goats are infected with anthrax, and these animals are transmitted when humans come into contact.
Skin anthrax, which develops from skin itchiness to black skin ulcers, is a common symptom of infected people. It shows early symptoms similar to food poisoning, and there is also gastrointestinal anthrax, which causes abdominal pain and severe diarrhea. Anthrax in the lungs shows symptoms of a cold, but it can also rapidly progress to shortness of breath and shock.
If antibiotics are administered within 24 to 48 hours of the initial infection, it can be treated relatively easily, but if left beyond that, the fatality rate rises.
According to the WHO, Zambia and its neighboring countries also appear to be at high risk of spreading infection, such as Angola, Botswana, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Malawi, as animals and people move frequently.
If human infection is suspected, control measures should be implemented and those who may have been potentially exposed to anthrax should receive preventive treatment, the WHO said.
Overseas travelers visiting anthrax-stricken countries should be familiar with the regulations on bringing in animal products or souvenirs, and if they find an unexpected death of an animal near the outbreak area, they need to report it to the authorities, he explained.
JENNIFER KIM
US ASIA JOURNAL
