The World Health Organization (WHO) has ramped up emergency efforts to contain an anthrax outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
In a statement released on Thursday, WHO confirmed 16 suspected cases and one confirmed human infection in North Kivu Province, located in the country's eastern region.
“There has been one fatality among the reported cases. The outbreak has impacted four health zones surrounding Lake Edward, near the border between the DRC and Uganda. It is linked to an ongoing outbreak on the Ugandan side, where seven suspected cases have emerged in Kabale District. Response measures, including livestock vaccination, are underway,” the statement read.
WHO is conducting assessments in the DRC to evaluate the likelihood of further transmission and is assisting health authorities in strengthening containment efforts. This includes disease surveillance, investigations to trace the outbreak's source and transmission patterns, and the distribution of medical supplies and treatment. WHO is also facilitating cross-border collaboration between the DRC and Uganda to enhance response strategies.
“Our priority is to swiftly curb the animal-to-human transmission. We are working closely with the government, communities, and partners to reinforce response measures and safeguard public health now and in the future,” stated Dr. Boureima Sambo, WHO Representative in the DRC.
Anthrax is a bacterial disease primarily affecting animals. Humans can contract the infection through direct or indirect contact with infected animals or exposure to contaminated animal products. While anthrax is generally not considered contagious among humans, rare instances of person-to-person transmission have been documented.
Anthrax affects humans in three forms, each requiring urgent medical attention. The most common type is cutaneous anthrax, which develops when spores come into contact with broken skin, leading to an itchy bump that eventually forms a black sore. Other symptoms may include headaches, muscle aches, fever, and vomiting.
Gastrointestinal anthrax arises from consuming contaminated meat, initially causing symptoms similar to food poisoning, such as nausea and diarrhoea. If left untreated, it can progress to intense stomach pain, bloody vomiting, and severe complications. The rarest and deadliest form is inhalation anthrax, contracted by breathing in spores. It starts with flu-like symptoms but rapidly worsens, leading to severe respiratory distress and shock. All cases of human anthrax require hospitalisation.
The disease is treatable with antibiotics, which must be prescribed by healthcare professionals. While vaccines exist for both animals and humans, human vaccines are scarce and mainly used to protect those at higher risk due to occupational exposure.
The anthrax outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo was first detected on 22 March 2025 in Virunga National Park, where several buffalo and hippopotamuses were found dead.
WHO has since launched response efforts, including vaccinating livestock in communities near rivers and ensuring the safe disposal of infected animal carcasses to limit the spread. Public awareness campaigns are also being intensified to promote preventive measures.
Experts emphasize that controlling anthrax in animals is essential for safeguarding human health. They advocate for a One Health approach, which integrates human, environmental, and animal health strategies to ensure effective disease prevention, early detection, preparedness, and response—contributing to global health security.
