Risk factors for human anthrax outbreak in Kiruhura District, Southwestern Uganda: a population-based case control study

Migisha, Richard; Mbatidde, Irene; Agaba, David Collins; Turyakira, Eleanor; Byaruhanga, Aggrey; Siya, Aggrey; Ruzaaza, Gad Ndaruhutse; Kirunda, Halid

doi:10.11604/pamj-oh.2021.5.13.29385

“…The pattern in which males predominantly got infected was not uncommon in other studies in Vietnam or globally (Luong et al, 2022(Luong et al, , 2023Migisha et al, 2021;Mwenye et al, 1996;Parlak & Parlak, 2016). Most of the cases aged from 15 to 54 years old (86.4%) with zero cases under 5 years of age.…”

mentioning

confidence: 60%

Spatial epidemiology of human anthrax in Son La province, Vietnam, 2003–2022

Luong,

Nguyen,

Lu

et al. 2024

Zoonoses and Public Health

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AimsAnthrax is reported with frequency but poorly understood in Southeast Asian countries including Vietnam. In Vietnam, anthrax surveillance is national. However, case detection, prevention, and control are implemented locally at the provincial level. Here, we describe the epidemiological characteristics, identify spatial clusters of human anthrax, and compare the variation in livestock anthrax vaccine coverage to disease incidence in humans and livestock using historical data in Son La province, Vietnam (2003–2020).Methods and ResultsMost human cases occurred between April and September. Most of the patients were male, aged 15–54 years old. The human cases were mainly reported by public district hospitals. There was a delay between disease onset and hospitalization of ~5 days. We identified spatial clusters of high–high incidence communes in the northern communes of the province using the local Moran's I statistic. The vaccine coverage sharply decreased across the study period. The province reported sporadic human anthrax outbreaks, while animal cases were only reported in 2005 and 2022.ConclusionsThese results suggest underreporting for human and livestock anthrax in the province. Intersectoral information sharing is needed to aid livestock vaccination planning, which currently relies on reported livestock cases. The spatial clusters identify areas for targeted surveillance and livestock vaccination, while the seasonal case data suggest prioritizing vaccination campaigns for February or early March ahead of the April peak. A regional approach for studying the role of livestock trading between Son La and neighbouring provinces in anthrax occurrence is recommended.

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“…Individuals engaged in livestock management and agricultural and veterinary professionals are more vulnerable to risks and hazards due to their frequent and direct encounters with animals. The research conducted on the anthrax outbreak in Uganda revealed that the occurrence of outbreaks was attributed to the practices of slaughtering and handling carcasses, as well as the absence of regular anthrax vaccinations for cattle [33,34]. Studies on anthrax outbreaks have revealed that those who engage in activities such as the removal of skin from infected carcasses, the handling of meat, and the processing of skins and hides are at an increased risk of contracting the disease, indicating that anthrax presents a higher level of activity in animal carcasses [35].…”

Section: Epidemiology and Transmission Of Anthraxmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Similarly, appropriate safe disposal of infected carcasses, decontaminating infection sites, and implementing safe land-use practices can effectively control the spread of anthrax spores and contribute to the management of epidemics. Numerous studies have emphasised the importance of appropriate carcass disposal due to the significant risks associated with improper disposition, as seen by the outbreak in Uganda [33]. Providing public education on the risk factors, preventative measures, and proper handling procedures related to animal products is vital, as this can potentially reduce potential risks [45].…”

Section: Factors Contributing To Anthrax Outbreaksmentioning

confidence: 99%

Untitled

2023

J Infect Dis Epidemiol

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Anthrax is a highly pathogenic zoonotic disease that is attributed to the aerobic, rod-like Gram-positive bacteria known as Bacillus anthracis. This disease primarily affects domestic and wild herbivores through the consumption of vegetation, water or soil and inhalation of air or dust contaminated with highly resistant B. anthracis spores. Humans become infected through inhalation, ingestion of animal and animal products, injection of hard drugs and cutaneous routes through contact with infected animals or carcasses. The outbreak of anthrax frequently occurs in regions with high levels of agricultural practices, including Africa and Asia. Although endemic in West Africa, Nigeria recorded her first anthrax case in July 2023, which led to the mortality of eight farm animals. Several factors may have contributed to this outbreak including changes in soil pH, moisture levels, porosity and texture and the recent outbreak in Ghana, a neighboring country. Strategies to control human anthrax infections are mostly tied to those that limit the occurrence of anthrax in animals and reduce human exposure to diseased/deceased animals or their byproducts. The most effective ways to prevent and treat animal anthrax are annual vaccination (preventive and ring), quarantine and use of antibiotics. Furthermore, it is important that public health and animal health institutions collaborate promptly on the detection of anthrax within a given area. This collaboration aims to enhance awareness among medical professionals, animal health practitioners, and those residing in the affected region.

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“…Individuals engaged in livestock management and agricultural and veterinary professionals are more vulnerable to risks and hazards due to their frequent and direct encounters with animals. The research conducted on the anthrax outbreak in Uganda revealed that the occurrence of outbreaks was attributed to the practices of slaughtering and handling carcasses, as well as the absence of regular anthrax vaccinations for cattle [33,34]. Studies on anthrax outbreaks have revealed that those who engage in activities such as the removal of skin from infected carcasses, the handling of meat, and the processing of skins and hides are at an increased risk of contracting the disease, indicating that anthrax presents a higher level of activity in animal carcasses [35].…”

Section: Epidemiology and Transmission Of Anthraxmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Similarly, appropriate safe disposal of infected carcasses, decontaminating infection sites, and implementing safe land-use practices can effectively control the spread of anthrax spores and contribute to the management of epidemics. Numerous studies have emphasised the importance of appropriate carcass disposal due to the significant risks associated with improper disposition, as seen by the outbreak in Uganda [33]. Providing public education on the risk factors, preventative measures, and proper handling procedures related to animal products is vital, as this can potentially reduce potential risks [45].…”

Section: Factors Contributing To Anthrax Outbreaksmentioning

confidence: 99%

Anthrax Outbreak in Nigeria: An Issue for Concern?

Tolulope Sharon,

Elohor,

Oluwabusola

2023

J Infect Dis Epidemiol

1

0

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Anthrax is a highly pathogenic zoonotic disease that is attributed to the aerobic, rod-like Gram-positive bacteria known as Bacillus anthracis. This disease primarily affects domestic and wild herbivores through the consumption of vegetation, water or soil and inhalation of air or dust contaminated with highly resistant B. anthracis spores. Humans become infected through inhalation, ingestion of animal and animal products, injection of hard drugs and cutaneous routes through contact with infected animals or carcasses. The outbreak of anthrax frequently occurs in regions with high levels of agricultural practices, including Africa and Asia. Although endemic in West Africa, Nigeria recorded her first anthrax case in July 2023, which led to the mortality of eight farm animals. Several factors may have contributed to this outbreak including changes in soil pH, moisture levels, porosity and texture and the recent outbreak in Ghana, a neighboring country. Strategies to control human anthrax infections are mostly tied to those that limit the occurrence of anthrax in animals and reduce human exposure to diseased/deceased animals or their byproducts. The most effective ways to prevent and treat animal anthrax are annual vaccination (preventive and ring), quarantine and use of antibiotics. Furthermore, it is important that public health and animal health institutions collaborate promptly on the detection of anthrax within a given area. This collaboration aims to enhance awareness among medical professionals, animal health practitioners, and those residing in the affected region.

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Risk factors for human anthrax outbreak in Kiruhura District, Southwestern Uganda: a population-based case control study

Cited by 5 publications

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Spatial epidemiology of human anthrax in Son La province, Vietnam, 2003–2022

Spatial epidemiology of human anthrax in Son La province, Vietnam, 2003–2022

Untitled

Anthrax Outbreak in Nigeria: An Issue for Concern?

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