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.
Over 100 people have died after severe flooding struck a village near Lake Tanganyika in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), exacerbating the region's ongoing challenges.
The Southern African Development Community (SADC) on Monday strongly denied claims made by the M23 rebel group and its allies, alleging that the SADC's mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (SAMIDRC) participated in joint military operations in the eastern city of Goma.
The M23 rebel group intensified its offensive in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo on Monday, pushing closer to the territorial capital of Walikale, according to local media reports.
Southern African leaders gathered virtually on Thursday to address the intensifying conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), focusing on both the deteriorating security situation and the performance of the SADC mission in the region.
The Democratic Republic of Congo has announced a $5 million reward for the capture of three leaders of the Congo River Alliance, including M23 commanders, as the government intensifies its efforts to combat the Rwandan-backed rebels seizing large portions of eastern DR Congo.
Landslides and flash floods caused by days of heavy monsoon rain have killed at least 22 people in India’s northeast, officials said.
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet said Saturday that the border conflict with Thailand “must be resolved with patience and through legal and diplomatic channels.”
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi spoke by phone with IAEA Director Rafael Mariano Grossi, warning that any political actions against Iran at next week’s Board of Governors meeting would have consequences.
Türkiye expressed deep sorrow Saturday over the devastating floods in Nigeria’s Niger State, which have claimed over 150 lives.
A bridge collapse in the Vygonichsky district of Russia’s Bryansk region, near the Ukrainian border, caused a train derailment and a traffic accident early Sunday, killing at least seven people and leaving 30 injured, according to emergency services.
On May 28, the inauguration ceremony of Lachin International Airport was held.
A car drove into crowds of Liverpool fans celebrating the club’s Premier League title in the city centre on Monday evening, injuring dozens including 4 children. A 53-year-old man believed to be the driver was arrested at the scene.
EU ministers have greenlit a massive €150 billion defense investment fund—dubbed the Security Action for Europe (SAFE)—as the bloc ramps up its military readiness in response to Russia’s aggression and growing uncertainty over U.S. security guarantees.
Brazil’s economy is expected to have regained momentum in the first quarter of 2025, driven by a surge in household spending and private investment, according to a Reuters poll of economists conducted from May 21–26.
An international academic conference titled "Islamophobia: Exposing Prejudice and Destroying Stigma" has officially opened in the capital of Azerbaijan, bringing together global scholars, experts, and policymakers to address the rise and consequences of anti-Muslim discrimination.
Türkiye’s first floating natural gas production platform, Osman Gazi, reached Filyos Port in Zonguldak on May 31.
Authorities in Whatcom County, Washington, issued a warning Friday after a truck carrying honey bee hives overturned near the Canadian border, initially prompting fears that millions of bees had been released.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz will travel to Washington next week to meet U.S. President Donald Trump.
Landslides and flash floods caused by days of heavy monsoon rain have killed at least 22 people in India’s northeast, officials said.
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet said Saturday that the border conflict with Thailand “must be resolved with patience and through legal and diplomatic channels.”
Landslides and flash floods caused by days of heavy monsoon rain have killed at least 22 people in India’s northeast, officials said.
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet said Saturday that the border conflict with Thailand “must be resolved with patience and through legal and diplomatic channels.”
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi spoke by phone with IAEA Director Rafael Mariano Grossi, warning that any political actions against Iran at next week’s Board of Governors meeting would have consequences.
Türkiye expressed deep sorrow Saturday over the devastating floods in Nigeria’s Niger State, which have claimed over 150 lives.
A bridge collapse in the Vygonichsky district of Russia’s Bryansk region, near the Ukrainian border, caused a train derailment and a traffic accident early Sunday, killing at least seven people and leaving 30 injured, according to emergency services.
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