The Democratic Republic of the Congo has confirmed an anthrax outbreak in the eastern North Kivu Province, resulting in one death, the World Health Organization (WHO) said on Thursday.

Four health zones around Lake Edward, near the border with Uganda, have been affected, with one confirmed and 16 suspected human cases.

Initial signs of the outbreak surfaced on March 22 in Virunga National Park, where dozens of wild animals, including buffalo and hippopotamuses, were found dead. The outbreak has since raised concerns about animal-to-human transmission in the region.

Anthrax, a serious bacterial infection, primarily affects livestock and wildlife but can also infect humans through direct contact with infected animals or contaminated animal products. The WHO has linked the current outbreak to a similar one across the border in Uganda’s Kabale district, where seven suspected human cases have been reported.

“Our efforts are focused on swiftly breaking the animal-to-human transmission,” said Dr. Boureima Sambo, WHO representative in the Congo. “We’re working closely with the government, communities, and partners to strengthen response measures to protect public health now and in the future.”

According to the WHO, livestock vaccination and community engagement are central to the ongoing response. Though human-to-human transmission of anthrax is rare, health officials are urging caution and adherence to safety protocols.

Anthrax in humans typically appears in three forms: cutaneous, gastrointestinal, and inhalational. The most common, cutaneous anthrax, causes skin lesions and flu-like symptoms, while gastrointestinal anthrax—contracted through consumption of infected meat—can lead to severe abdominal complications.

Health authorities continue to monitor the situation closely and are implementing containment measures to prevent further spread of the disease.

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