Overview

• 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.