Anthrax outbreaks are not uncommon worldwide, and they predominantly affect agricultural workers. Humans can contract the disease by handling animal products from infected animals, such as wool, hide, or bone. The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) issued a joint public health advisory, along with the Chief Veterinary Officer, warning that the anthrax outbreak in Ghana poses a significant public health risk to Nigeria due to its highly transmissible nature.
The advisory cautioned Nigerians against non-essential travel to the northern region of Ghana, particularly the Upper East Region, where the outbreak was reported. The Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) highlights that pulmonary anthrax, one form of the disease, carries a high mortality rate, with 92 per cent of cases resulting in death due to the risk of respiratory collapse. Gastrointestinal anthrax, another form of the disease, can occur when individuals consume meat from anthrax-infected animals.
The history of anthrax outbreaks serves as a reminder of the severity of the disease. In September 2001, the United States experienced an anthrax scare when letters containing anthrax spores were sent to news media offices and politicians, resulting in five deaths and 17 infections. In October 2014, an outbreak of gastrointestinal and skin anthrax in a village in Jharkhand, India, claimed the lives of seven individuals. In July 2016, nearly 100 people from nomadic communities in northern Siberia were hospitalised with anthrax.
Recently, Canadian authorities have been investigating a suspected anthrax outbreak among bison in the Northwest Territories. Anthrax, caused by the bacterium Bacillus anthracis, is an infectious disease primarily found in wild and domestic animals such as goats, cattle, and sheep. The bacteria reside in the soil, making it important to take preventive measures and ensure the safety of both humans and animals in affected areas.
The confirmation of the first case of anthrax in Nigeria highlights the need for swift and coordinated efforts by the government, health authorities, and veterinary services to contain the outbreak and mitigate the public health risk.