Anthrax disease spreads across Zambia, as Health Ministry records over 330 cases, with four deaths

Health Minister, Sylvia Masebo, has announced that over 300 anthrax disease cases have been recorded from different parts of the country.

The minister has also announced four deaths arising from the anthrax disease.

Masebo in a statement on Wednesday said a cumulative 335 cases had been reported across the country with Sinazongwe recording 242 cases including two deaths, Kazungula with 17 cases, Livingstone with six cases, Monze with two cases, and one case each in Choma and Kalomo.

She further said 19 cases had been reported in Western Province and that nine were recorded in Sesheke, six in Mongu, three in Nalolo and one in Sioma.

“We have recorded 30 cases in Eastern Province, and Lumezi district recorded 28 cases with one death whereas Lundazi has recorded two cases.

“Lusaka Province has reported 13 cases in Lusaka District with five in Kanyama and two in Matero, one in Chelstone and one in Chilenje sub-districts,” Masebo said.

She mentioned that one case had been reported in Kasempa District of North-Western Province. Masebo explained that the patient was said to have travelled from Southern Province with a history of eating meat from a carcass with unknown cause of death.

The Minister of Health further said three cases had just been reported in Mpika District of Muchinga province from Nabwalya Rural Health Centre.

She added that sadly a 12-year-old boy was among the three cases reported to have died and that Nabwalya is an area which borders Mambwe district in Eastern province.

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