Health authorities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) have launched emergency measures in North Kivu Province following an outbreak of anthrax that has killed one person and left 16 others suspected to be infected.
The outbreak, centered in four health zones near Lake Edward along the Ugandan border, has raised alarm in both countries. Uganda’s western Kabale district has also reported seven suspected human cases, linking the two outbreaks across the porous border.
The DRC Ministry of Health, supported by the World Health Organization (WHO), is conducting epidemiological investigations and reinforcing surveillance to trace the source and halt transmission. Medical teams have deployed essential supplies and begun treatment of affected individuals.
“This outbreak is a stark reminder of how zoonotic diseases can rapidly escalate into public health emergencies,” said Dr. Boureima Sambo, WHO’s representative in DRC. “We are working with the government and regional partners to quickly stop animal-to-human transmission.”
Anthrax is a bacterial disease primarily affecting herbivorous animals but can be transmitted to humans through contact with infected animals or their products. While person-to-person transmission is rare, untreated human anthrax—whether cutaneous, gastrointestinal, or inhalational—can be fatal.
The outbreak was first detected on March 22 after a series of unexplained animal deaths—including buffaloes and hippopotamuses—in Virunga National Park. Since then, veterinary teams have launched livestock vaccination campaigns in high-risk areas and are safely disposing of infected carcasses.
Authorities are applying the One Health approach, integrating human, animal, and environmental health strategies to prevent further spread. Cross-border coordination between DRC and Ugandan health authorities is ongoing to contain the outbreak and safeguard vulnerable communities.
Anthrax vaccines exist for livestock and certain high-risk human populations, but remain limited in supply. Officials urge residents in affected zones to report unusual animal deaths and avoid contact with suspected contaminated meat.
As surveillance intensifies, the focus is now on halting the chain of transmission and ensuring swift medical intervention to prevent more casualties in one of Central Africa’s most ecologically sensitive regions.