Since 12 th May , three anthrax outbreaks have been reported in the Maseru district of Lesotho. Twenty-four cattle have died and a further cattle infections are suspected. There has also been a report in a local Lesotho newspaper that over fifty local people became ill after eating meat from cattle that died of anthrax. The outbreak is ongoing and authorities in Lesotho have initiated control measures to contain the spread of the disease, namely: quarantine and restriction of movement of cattle within Lesotho, surveillance within the quarantine area, official disposal of carcasses, by-products and waste, zoning, disinfection, and vaccination of animals.
Anthrax is an acute infectious disease caused by the bacterium Bacillus anthracis. The disease is most common in cattle, goat, sheep and antelopes. Humans are at risk of infection when exposed to the bacterial spores in the environment, or infected animals, through contact with infected animals or contaminated animal products.
Cases have been reported worldwide, and veterinarians, livestock producers, those who slaughter animals or handle meat and wool products, and laboratory staff, are at higher risk of acquiring the disease. There are four forms of anthrax relating to the route of exposure. Cutaneous anthrax, the most common form in humans, is acquired through skin cuts or abrasions. Inhalation anthrax is acquired through breathing in airborne B.
Gastrointestinal anthrax is acquired through ingestion of contaminated food, usually meat from an infected animal. Once ingested, anthrax spores can affect the upper gastrointestinal tract throat and oesophagus , stomach, and intestines.
Injection anthrax is a newly recognized form that is associated with intravenous drug use. Anthrax usually develops 1 to 7 days after exposure. Human anthrax cases in South Africa are rare with the last reported case of cutaneous anthrax in from the Kuboes in the Northern Cape Province.
