Wüstenschiff

ANTHRAX, HUMAN, BOVINE - KYRGYZSTAN (03): (BATKEN)
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Date: 22 Aug 2011
Source: Kazakhstan Today [machine trans. edited]
<http://kt.kz/?lang=rus&uin=1253258757&c ... 1153543414>


In the south of Kyrgyzstan, 3 people were hospitalized with suspected
anthrax, reports Kazakhstan Today. According to the press service of
the Ministry of Emergencies, "[from] 18 Aug 2011 in the Orozbekova
Kadamjay rural district of Batken province, [people have been]
diagnosed with anthrax and hospitalized; 2 localities are involved:
The village of Pulgon Batken (a woman born in 1947) and the village of
Toloykon Osh (a 47-year-old man and a 9-year-old boy). In the latter
cases, both were involved in meat cutting, and the meat was then
distributed to 14 families." Samples were sent to the laboratory in
the city of Osh, and in both cases, the preliminary diagnosis was
confirmed. The older woman was also exposed to contaminated beef.
Treatment has been initiated.

Sanvrachi [the Livestock Service] is conducting on-site prevention
activities.

Earlier, in June 2011, a diagnosis of anthrax was made in 2
inhabitants of the Jalal-Abad region, reports the Center for
Quarantine and Especially Dangerous Infections of the Ministry of
Health of the CD. In general, according to the data center, the
situation with anthrax is difficult for the Republic. There are more
than 1200 soil pockets of anthrax [cattle graves], and, as over half
have viable spores, they are dangerous and are a source of infection
[to livestock]. Anthrax spores can persist in soil for many years and,
once in a supportive environment (an animal), can cause disease so
that the animal dies. Humans can be infected from handling and
butchering the infected carcass.

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[Plainly, the previous 2 "suspect" June 2011 cases have now been
confirmed.

Batken forms the southern boundary of the Fergana valley of
Uzbekistan, which is an area of chronic livestock outbreaks of
anthrax. While Uzbekistan fails to report either human or livestock
cases, they are routinely diagnosed in the surrounding Kyrgyz
provinces. Unfortunately, these provinces are a long way from Bishkek
and, therefore, do not get the oversight they need to have annual
vaccination of their livestock. This would cost-effectively and
cheaply prevent both livestock outbreaks and human cases.

The HealthMap/ProMED-mail interactive map of Kyrgyzstan can be seen at
<http://healthmap.org/r/0_ni>. For a map showing the proximity of
Batken, Osh, and Uzbekistan bordering areas, see:
<http://www.lib.utexas.edu/maps/commonwe ... _rel96.jpg>. -
Mod.MHJ]

ANTHRAX, HUMAN, LIVESTOCK - GEORGIA (04): (KAKHETI)
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Date: 25 Aug 2011
Source: Georgia online [trans. Corr.ATS, edited]
<http://www.apsny.ge/2011/other/1314298283.php>


Another case of anthrax has been registered in Georgia. The news
agency Kavkaz Press has been informed about this case in Tbilisi
infectious diseases hospital. A 39 year old man from the village
Ivanovka in the Kakheti region has been admitted to the hospital with
fever and a skin rash.

A diagnosis of skin anthrax has been confirmed, and the patient is
receiving appropriate treatment.

This man contracted anthrax while taking care of a cow. Currently, his
condition is stable. The doctors mention about twice the usual anthrax
morbidity in Georgia [in 2011]. One fatal anthrax case has been
registered in Georgia in 2011.

--
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[This newswire shows that the outbreaks are continuing in the
provinces south of Tbilisi along the country's southern border,
presumably in the Azerbajani communities as noted before. As anthrax
is essentially non-contagious, we can assume that the journalist's
report of "taking care of a cow" meant that he had slaughtered and
butchered a cow suffering from anthrax.

A map showing the regions of Georgia can be seen at
<http://www.georgia.orexca.com/img/map_georgia.jpg>. The
HealthMap/ProMED-mail interactive map of Georgia is available at
<http://healthmap.org/r/13KF>. - Mod.MHJ]

ANTHRAX, HUMAN, HIPPOPOTAMUS - ZAMBIA: (EASTERN PROVINCE)
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[1]
Date: 3 Sep 2011
Source: Times of Zambia [edited]
<http://www.times.co.zm/index.php?option ... &Itemid=27>


Chama District in Eastern Province has recorded cases of suspected
anthrax in more than 120 people.

Ministry of Health spokesperson Kamoto Mbewe stated yesterday [2 Sep
2011] that the outbreak was suspected to have been caused by an
infected hippo in Luangwa River. Dr Mbewe said all the patients
recorded since Friday last week [29 Aug 2011] had a history of having
consumed or touched hippo meat.

He said the hippo was said to have died of anthrax upstream of the
Luangwa River, where 62 hippos had so far died after showing signs of
infection. "Areas bordering Chama, or anyone who has consumed hippo
meat in the recent past may be affected," he said.

Dr Mbewe said, however, that the public should not panic because the
disease was treatable and that the ministry had sufficient stocks of
drugs. He said samples had been sent to a laboratory in Lundazi and
that a rapid response from the provincial office was already in
Chama.

"A stakeholders' meeting involving the Ministry of Health, the
Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries, a veterinary team from the
University of Zambia, and a University Teaching Hospital laboratory
team was held today [3 Sep 2011]," he said. He said an expert team had
been constituted and dispatched to support the province and the
affected districts. Dr Mbewe said people who had come in contact with
or who had eaten hippo meat in recent weeks and developed skin
swellings like insect bites which later become blisters or which
eventually ulcerate should quickly seek medical attention.

He said the affected areas had been cordoned off and advice provided
to people against eating game meat, while surveillance had been
enhanced.

[byline: Davies M M Chanda]

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******
[2]
Date: 3 Sep 2011
Source: Infectious Disease Examiner [edited]
<http://www.examiner.com/infectious-dise ... cted-hippo>


The Zambia Ministry of Health [MoH] reported on Friday [2 Sep 2011]
that 120 people have been infected with anthrax in the Chama district
in Eastern Province.

MoH spokesperson Dr Kamoto Mbewe says all the patients involved in the
outbreak had a history of having consumed or touched infected hippo
meat.

Breeze News reports that senior veterinary officer Arthur Mubolomena
confirmed at least 3 people had died in the outbreak. Dr Mumbolomena
says that suspected anthrax has killed dozens of hippos in Luangwa
River since the outbreak began some 2 weeks ago.

[byline: Robert Herriman]

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[In 1987-91, there were multiple outbreaks involving a wide range of
species in the South Luangwa National Park. In a severe epidemic in
2001, some 120 hippos (_Hippopotamus amphibius_) and 4 buffaloes
(_Syncercus caffer_) were reported dead of anthrax, but the actual
numbers were far greater, in the thousands. The aerial photographs of
the Luanga river showed dead hippos clogging the river and were
numbing. And that was just the dead hippos floating in the river. It
was believed that this epidemic was triggered by the population
quadrupling in number, which is both extremely stressful, with
fighting over the limited resources, and facilitates the spread of any
disease.

Readers are encouraged to see the series of postings on anthrax deaths
in the Ugandan Queen Elizabeth Park. It was clear in that region that
the situation was exacerbated by the hippo habit of scavenging their
own. This ensures that that it goes from the odd sporadic death to
being an epidemic, and it complicates any idea of control.

For a map of Zambia, see
<http://www.un.org/Depts/Cartographic/ma ... zambia.pdf>. Chama
is in the northern portion of the province, near the border with
Malawi. For a closer look, go to
<http://www.fallingrain.com/world/ZA/6/Chama.html>. - Mod.MHJ]

ANTHRAX, HUMAN, HIPPOPOTAMUS - ZAMBIA (02): (EASTERN PROVINCE)
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Date: Mon 5 Sep 2011
Source: MUVI Television [edited]
<http://www.muvitv.com/?p=19617>


Chama anthrax cases increase
----------------------------
Anthrax cases in Chama District, Eastern Province, have increased to
205 since the disease outbreak on 26 Aug 2011. Ministry of Health
Acting spokesperson, Maximillian Bweupe, says 80 cases have been
recorded since last week.

Dr Bweupe has explained to MUVI TV that the disease is suspected to
have been transmitted from hippos in the Luangwa River. He has further
said that the ministry has set a task force to deal with the
situation.

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[Unfortunately (contaminated) cheap meat in a marketplace can be very
tempting. - Mod.MHJ]

ANTHRAX, HUMAN, HIPPOPOTAMUS - ZAMBIA (O3): (EASTERN PROVINCE)
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Date: Thu 8 Sep 2011
Source: AllAfrica, Times of Zambia report [edited]
<http://allafrica.com/stories/201109080846.html>


Suspected cases of [human] anthrax in Chama District in Eastern
Province have reached 278, from the 120 cases announced by the
Ministry of Health last week [week of 29 Aug 2011]

Eastern Province medical officer Kennedy Malama told Breeze FM Radio
monitored in Chipata yesterday [7 Sep 2011] that Chama had recorded 5
deaths of people directly linked to the disease, which had killed more
than 90 hippos in the district.

Dr Malama said the Ministry of Health had established that the
affected people contracted the disease through touching and eating
hippo meat. He cautioned Chama residents and those in surrounding
areas against consuming game meat, especially hippo to prevent the
spreading of the disease.

Dr Malama said medical personnel were on high alert and were attending
to people showing symptoms of anthrax. On Friday last week [2 Sep
2011], Ministry of Health spokesperson Reuben Mbewe said Chama had
recorded suspected cases of anthrax in more than 120 people.

Dr Mbewe said the outbreak was suspected to have been caused by an
infected hippo in Luangwa River. He said all the patients had a
history of having consumed or touched hippo meat. Dr Mbewe said the
hippo was said to have died of anthrax around the upstream of Luangwa
River.

[Byline: Julius Phiri]

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[I suspect that the human cases will not stop emerging until after the
hippo deaths cease. - Mod MHJ]

Sambia - Milzbrand
08.09.2011

Sambia gehört zu den Ländern mit dem höchsten Vorkommen dieser schweren bakteriellen Erkrankung von Tier und Mensch, die zu bösartigen Geschwüren an Haut oder Darm mit schweren Allgemeinerscheinungen führen kann. Im Distrikt Chama (NO) gibt es seit dem 26. August einen Ausbruch, der bereits zu 205 Erkrankungen geführt hat. Die Erkrankten hatten Fleisch eines infizierten Nilpferdes gegessen oder hatten das Fleisch berührt. Vorsicht beim Umgang mit kranken Tieren, Verzehr von Fleisch nur ausreichend gegart. / Quelle: crm

Gruß
Birgitt

Sambia - Milzbrand
12.09.2011

Sambia gehört zu den Ländern mit dem höchsten Vorkommen dieser schweren bakteriellen Erkrankung von Tier und Mensch, die zu bösartigen Geschwüren an Haut oder Darm mit schweren Allgemeinerscheinungen führen kann. Im Distrikt Chama (NO) gibt es seit dem 26. August einen Ausbruch, der bereits zu 278 Erkrankungen geführt hat. Die Erkrankten hatten Fleisch eines infizierten Nilpferdes gegessen oder hatten das Fleisch berührt. Vorsicht beim Umgang mit kranken Tieren, Verzehr von Fleisch nur ausreichend gegart. / Quelle: crm

HUMAN, LIVESTOCK FATALITIES - BURKINA FASO: (SAHEL), ANTHRAX
SUSPECTED, REQUEST FOR INFORMATION
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[1]
Date: Fri 9 Sep 2011
Source: lefaso.net [in French, trans., edited]
<http://lefaso.net/spip.php?article43887>


During a government press briefing the Minister of Animal Resources,
Jeremy Ouedraogo, reported on his visit to the Sahel where in a
village of Essakane [Oudalan province] 3 children were poisoned, 2 of
whom later died. Residents also noted the death of a number of
animals, including cattle, sheep, and goats. "The veterinary services
immediately moved to destroy and bury the carcasses," stated Jeremy
Ouedraogo. The population has been informed of the precautions against
the phenomenon. Investigations were initiated to identify the cause of
the mortality. Cases of 'charbon' (anthrax) were identified, but this
remains to be confirmed by further [laboratory] analysis.

Some people have complained about the Essakane gold mine, located
about 500 m [0.3 mi] from the village, referring to products used in
the treatment of gold. "We have examined the bio safety of the mine.
It is fully secured by a dam and other facilities. However, "the
sealing of certain parts should be checked," noted the Minister of
Animal Resources.

The seasonal movement of livestock across borders and inter-farmer
conflicts were also part of the discussions with the press. The
minister said in order to reduce the movement of livestock it would be
necessary to resolve the land issues, to delineate grazing areas, and
to increase the water points.

Land issues are also the main cause of conflicts between farmers and
herders. Since the beginning of 2011, nearly 400 cases of conflict
have been recorded. Jeremy Ouedraogo stressed the urgency of resolving
the land issue as farming contributes enormously to the economic
development, especially in rural areas. "It is necessary to demarcate
grazing areas in communal development plans, with the participation of
all stakeholders to avoid litigation [or worse]."

[Byline: Bachirou Nana]

--
Communicated by:
Ronan Kelly
for FluTrackers.com
<ronankelly@comcast.net>

******
[2]
Date: Fri 9 Sep 2011
Source: burkina24.com [in French, trans., edited]
<http://burkina24.com/news/2011/09/09/mo ... rassurent/>


On the occasion of the weekly government press briefing held Thu 8 Sep
2011, the ministers of health, Prof Adama Traor, and Animal Resources,
Jeremy Ouedraogo, commented on the cases of suspicious deaths recently
observed in Essakane.

Indeed, animals have died in this village near the gold mine of the
same name. 2 children who consumed the meat of these animals are also
dead. This raises questions but 'charbon' [anthrax] is suspected
laboratory confirmation is awaited. Detailed investigations are
underway.

In the meantime, it would be prudent to observe strict hygiene rules
to put people out of danger.

[Byline: Abdoul Hadi Diabate]

--
Communicated by:
Ronan Kelly
for FluTrackers.com
<ronankelly@comcast.net>

******
[3]
Date: Thu 8 Sep 2011
Source: lefaso.net [in French, trans., edited]
<http://www.lefaso.net/spip.php?article43861>


The Minister of Animal Resources, Dr Jeremy Ouedraogo, conducted a
field trip in the Sahel region to assess the extent of mortality of
animals, scavengers, and 2 children in Essakane, on 6 Sep 2011.

The minister's visit to Karafala/Essakane, allowed him to verify the
effectiveness of protective measures taken by the technical services,
following the report of the deaths of animals including one bovine, 5
goats, and 2 sheep. Added to this are more than 30 scavengers
[vultures] whose remains were found at the site of the slaughterhouse
in Essakane. And all this in 24 hours. Previously, 2 children died
after 6 days of illness.

The minister said this is a public health issue because the ministry
not only ensures the promotion of livestock, but is also responsible
for meat inspection and safety. Accompanied by representatives of
various technical services, he went evaluate the situation in
Essakane. "We are in the phase of investigation to know exactly what
these animals and birds died of. The visit proved to be extremely
important to us. On the one hand, it is a question of determining with
those responsible for the mine, the provisions taken on their level,
as regards biosecurity. And on the other hand, to identify with
farmers and the public the conditions under which these animals were
killed [sic] and most importantly, the measures that people need to
take to avoid being infected by eating the meat, " he said.

Investigations are underway to determine precisely the causes of such
mortality. Moreover, he stated that the measures taken to avoid
contamination are extremely effective. Among these measures is a pit
where the animals were buried, and all the arrangements such that the
animals do not cross the barriers limiting access to the mine. In
addition, the Minister assured that scavengers did not die by eating
excrement or the [carcass] remains at the slaughterhouse, as the meat
inspection was in line with current standards. According to the
Minister of Animal Resources, the local authorities have not
registered a complaint, or inconvenience whatsoever on the part of
consumers.

It is unclear what poisoned the birds. "We will continue
investigations to determine the real reasons. We welcome the readiness
of the 1st authorities and technical services that have applied
protection measures to the letter: do the cleaning and inspection
necessary and especially proceed with the cremation and burial of all
droppings and dead birds. We came to see the efficiency and
effectiveness of these measures on the ground. Once the causes are
identified, we will take appropriate action, either with the gold mine
or with the municipal authorities for the protection of citizens," he
said.

This strategy, from his point of view, will help protect animals and
to avoid the worst if there has been a possible contamination of these
places. Regarding the consumption of meat, he indicated he has
assurances that that inspection was made and no deficiencies were
found. Dr Ouedraogo advises the people not to touch the bodies of
vultures found dead at the slaughterhouse and its surroundings so that
they can proceed to bury them. The Minister also visited the premises
of a farmer-leader at Douman Deber, in the commune of Gorom-Gorom
[Oudalan province] and the small dairy of sector No 1 in Dori. He then
met with farmers to discuss their concerns. The results of the
investigation, expected shortly.

In the opinion of the Deputy Director of Health, Safety and
Sustainable Development, Julien Baudrand, the Essakane gold mine,
given all the security arrangements to which it is subject, should not
have negative impact on the population. According to him, though, if
animals are able to cross the grid and enter the site, the owners are
informed and compensated, and those animals are then slaughtered and
buried within the site. The Deputy Director explained that the
infrastructure of the site is made to withstand flood waters, even
during heavy rainfall, and the gold mine has an environmental
monitoring program.

However, a resident of the village gave his version, sickened by the
deaths of 2 children, whose parents he knows. When it rains, he said,
"water from the dam floods down onto the grass grazed by our animals
and then usually we eat the meat from dead animals. It was only when 2
children died and with veterinary advice that we stopped eating them,"
he said.

[Byline: Aimee Florentine Kabore]

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[Where one has gold mining there is always a significant risk of
mercury poisoning. Chemical waste waters are notorious for escaping
adequate control. So until this working diagnosis is confirmed this
can only be a 'suspect' anthrax outbreak.

But finding some 30 dead vultures near the town slaughterhouse is
definitely a red flag for a cause other than "anthrax". Vultures like
all birds, other than rheas and ostriches, are not susceptible to
infection by _Bacillus anthracis_. Secondly, such a large number dying
suddenly does indicate some common toxic exposure. - Mod.MHJ]

[There is a process in extraction of gold called cyanide extraction.
It is process that uses cyanide to separate tiny or fine bits of gold
from the rock. It is also used in extracting tiny or fine particles of
silver from rock. It is not the simple application of sodium cyanide
to the rock, but rather a whole process of extraction. In the past,
this has resulted in deaths when many tons of the cyanide products
were released when a dam for the waste product broke.

Many vulture species, as well as other flesh eating birds have been
shown to be susceptible to cyanide, from carcasses, and from
cyanogenic plants.

If there is a problem with the gold mine or its waste treatment, this
may be the cause of the demise of all involved. - Mod.TG]

ANTHRAX, HUMAN - KAZAKHSTAN: EASTERN, SUSPECTED
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Date: 24 Sep 2011
Source: Kazakhstan Today [edited]
<http://www.kt.kz/./?lang=rus&uin=113316 ... 1153545168>


The press service of the Ministry for Emergency Situations (MES)
reports in Kazakhstan Today that a man in east Kazakhstan was
hospitalised with suspected anthrax at 10 a.m. on 22 Sep 2011. The
man, born in 1946, lived in the village of Makanchi Urjar.

Anti-epidemic measures are in place to identify his contacts with
other villagers and the source of the infection.

--
Communicated by:
Sabine Zentis
Gut Laach
52385 Nideggen, Germany
<CVLonghorns@aol.com>

[This disease is a not uncommon occurrence in Eastern Kazakhstan,
though overall, the annual incidence is decreasing. - Mod.MHJ]

ANTHRAX, HUMAN - KAZAKHSTAN (02): (EAST KAZAKHSTAN), CONFIRMED
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Date: Tue 27 Sep 2011
Source: Gazeta.KZ, KazTAG (Kazakh Telegraph Agency) report [in
Russian, trans., edited]
<http://news.gazeta.kz/art.asp?aid=349204>


Quarantine measures have been set up in the village of Makanchi in
[Urdzharsky] district of East Kazakhstan where 19 people were exposed
to possible anthrax and are under health watch. This was reported by
the press service of the Department of Emergency SAI, reports KazTAG.
At this time 18 of them are local folk from Makanchi, and one in
Semey. All are being tested every day and are under the supervision of
physicians.

Strict movement controls of livestock and meat are in place. The
source of infection has not yet been identified. In the meanwhile the
house and yard of the affected patient have been cleaned and
disinfected.

As previously reported, on 22 Sep 2011 a 45-year-old man from Makanchi
was hospitalised in the district hospital with suspected anthrax. As
of 26 Sep 2011 the diagnosis has been laboratory confirmed.

In eastern Kazakhstan, there are about 200 historic anthrax foci.
Recent cases were reported in 2008 in Ulan Ayagoz in the Eastern
region.

--
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Castleview Pedigree English Longhorns
Gut Laach
52385 Nideggen
Germany
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[It is of interest that the source of the index patient's infection is
still officially in doubt. That 19 people have been identified as
being at risk would indicate to this moderator that more is known than
is being shared. Fair enough. Logically a sick cow was slaughtered and
butchered outside of veterinary supervision. - Mod.MHJ]

[Maps of Kazakhstan can be seen at
<http://worldmap.org.ua/Maps/Asia/Kazakh ... an_eng.jpg>
and <http://healthmap.org/r/1hSb>. - Sr.Tech.Ed.MJ]

ANTHRAX, HUMAN, BOVINE - ROMANIA: (TULCEA), SUSPECTED
*****************************************************

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Date: 10 Oct 2011
Source: Observer Jurnalul [edited]
http://translate.googleusercontent.com/ ... Zst6N8U59Q


A young man of 25 years died in hospital last night [9 Oct 2011] in
Tulcea. He was hospitalized Friday [7 Oct 2011] in the Emergency
County Hospital (SJU) of Tulcea on suspicion of anthrax infection. He
had consumed the flesh of a slaughtered animal almost a week before in
the courtyard of a friend in the same locality.

Doctors now await analysis results from the Institute Cantacuzino.

"Unfortunately, many people in rural areas slaughter animals without
veterinary guidance, thereby exposing themselves to risks. This time,
however, bovine ear tags of the farm animals that were killed last
week indicate that in the spring [2011], they had been vaccinated
against anthrax. We have seized today [10 Oct 2011] [the remaining
meat] and await the results of tests to be carried out in our
laboratory to confirm or rule out suspicion," said the director of the
veterinary department, Marilena Tertis, according to Antena3
[presumably a radio station].

The last cases of this kind were reported in Tulcea county about 11
years ago.

--
Communicated by:
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Castleview English Longhorns
Gut Laach
D-52385 Nideggen, Germany
http://www.cvlonghorns.de


[To find Tulcea, go to: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tulcea and
http://www.fallingrain.com/world/RO/37/Tulcea.html.

Anthrax is sporadic in Romania and is reported in the lower altitude
riverine regions. Latterly, they have reported 1-6 outbreaks each year
in cattle and infrequently in sheep, but in 2009, there was an
outbreak in some pigs in Tulcea, with 3 dead. The low level but
consistent reporting of human cases indicates that the disease in
livestock is largely going unreported. - Mod.MHJ]

ANTHRAX, HUMAN, BOVINE - UGANDA: (SHEEMA)
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[1]
Date: Sun 6 Nov 2011
From: Gyaviira Makanga [edited]


I am a medical doctor working as a physician in Uganda.

There is an outbreak of anthrax in a human settlement in one of the
Western districts of the country at a location called Sheema
[district]. It is thought to have spread from cattle to humans through
ingestion of contaminated beef.

It is not clear how many people are affected, but there is a ban on
consuming beef and milk products and especially today 6 Nov 2011,
which was IDD [Eid] day for the Muslims, whose theme was the slaughter
of animals.

The Ministry of Agriculture is doing everything to control the
situation.

--
Dr Gyaviira Makanga
Physician
Uganda


[Our thanks to Dr Makanga for this report. It is such active awareness
by our members that makes ProMED-mail stand out. We are very
appreciative. - Mod.MHJ]

******
[2]
Date: Mon 7 Nov 2011
Source: Uganda News Picks [edited]
http://www.ugandapicks.com/2011/11/anth ... trict.html


District health officials have disclosed that 2 people have died in
Sheema district following an outbreak of anthrax. The district health
officer, Dr Johnson Kabwishwa, said the disease reportedly broke out
in Mashojwa village in Muzira sub-county on 25 Oct 2011.

Kabwishwa identified the deceased as a 55-year-old butcher and another
man. The trio reportedly skinned a carcass of a cow. Kabwishwa said
the 2 men died last week [week of 31 Oct 2011] after they showed signs
similar to those of anthrax.

Kabwishwa also noted that 5 other people were admitted to Kabwohe
health Center IV with signs of the disease. He said most of the
residents who ate the meat were given antibiotic drugs.

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******
[3] Date: November 7, 2011
Source: New Vision
http://www.newvision.co.ug/news/18957-s ... spreads-to
-mbarara.html


Suspected anthrax outbreak spreads to Mbarara Share
The recent outbreak of Anthrax which killed two people and three
animals in Sheema district is suspected to have spread to the
neighbouring sub-county of Bubaare in Mbarara district. FB, 55 and his
colleague only identified as B died last week after they reportedly
skinned a carcass of a cow. While five people were admitted in Kabwohe
health centre IV since the disease reportedly broke out in Mashojwa
village, Muzira Parish in Kagango Sub-county on October 25. The
outbreak of the disease affected the Muslim community in the district
as they celebrated Idd Adhuha without meat because veterinary
officials restricted the movement of livestock and slaughtering of
animals in the district. Dr. Christopher Kyambadde, the district
veterinary officer, said more four cows died in a suspected anthrax
outbreak in Kabwohe-Intendero town council, Kagango Sub County in
Sheema district on Sunday and Monday morning bringing the number of
the dead animals to seven. He added that a further outbreak was
reported in a neighbouring sub-county of Bubaare in Mbarara district
after one cow died and buried. Dr.Wilson Kafeero Mbonye, the
veterinary officer in the neighbouring district of Buhweju, who
witnessed the burial of the cow suspected to have died of anthrax in
Kamushoko village, Bubaare Sub-county in Mbarara, said he informed the
Mbarara district veterinary officers to take precautions. "The cow
died in Kyantambara farm belonging to HM. I instructed people to bury
it immediately because I never wanted them die after feasting on the
carcass of the cow suspected to have contracted the disease," He
added. Dr. John Lewis Barigye, the Mbarara district veterinary
officer, said it was not confirmed whether the cow died of the anthrax
but advised the public to keep away from the dead animals to avoid
contracting the disease. "We haven't established the cause of the
death but we have imposed a restriction on the movement of livestock
and their bio products in Bubaare Sub-county as precautionary measures
to stop the spread of the disease," Barigye said. He appealed all the
stakeholders to be vigilant and stop the slaughtering of animals and
smuggling of meat in the Sub-County. (Fred Turyakira)

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[It seems that each Eid somewhere in the world is conflicted by a
local anthrax outbreak. Last year (2010) it was the aftereffects of
the national epidemic in Bangladesh. This year (2011), the Sheema
district in the Western region of Uganda.
It appears that the cause of the deaths, whether bovine or human,
awaits confirmation, even though the pattern to date would not be
untypical of anthrax. I have heard from Robert Downing, CDC, that:
"There is anthrax in Sheema. CDC has sent swabs and the rapid Ag test
for animals. We hope human [samples] are on their way back to Ebb
now."

The festival of Eid-al-Adha, also known as the Feast of Sacrifice,
commemorates Ibrahim's (Abraham) willingness to sacrifice his son to
God. This year it is from 6-9 Nov. This festival also marks the end of
the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca. Eid al-Adha celebrations start after the
Hajj, the annual pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia by Muslims
worldwide. The date is approximately 70 days (2 Months and 10 days)
after the end of the month of Ramadan, that is, Eid-ul-Fitr. Ritual
observance of the holiday lasts until sunset of the 13th day of Dhu
al-Hijjah.

Livestock anthrax is only sporadically reported in Uganda -- latterly
outbreaks in wildlife, especially hippopotami in the Queen Elizabeth
Park, have been getting attention. However though there were no
official human cases in 2009, ProMED-mail reported some 9 cases with 6
deaths in Bushenyi district, that were ascribed, as far as anyone
could tell from the reports, from exposure to game meat and where some
51 hippo were recorded as dying from anthrax. Prior to 1 Jul 2010,
Sheema district was a county of Bushenyi district.

We would appreciate confirmation of this report by our members in
Uganda.

To find Sheema, go to
http://www.maplandia.com/uganda/bushenyi/sheema/ and
http://tiles.mapbox.com/sevenhillscreat ... 011_ea461e.
The HealthMap/ProMED-mail interactive map of Uganda can be seen at
http://healthmap.org/r/1pFa. - Mod.MHJ]

ANTHRAX, HUMAN, BOVINE - UGANDA (02): (WESTERN REGION)
*******************************************************

A ProMED-mail post
http://www.promedmail.org
ProMED-mail is a program of the
International Society for Infectious Diseases
http://www.isid.org


Date: Tue 8 Nov 2011
Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda) [edited]
http://www.monitor.co.ug/News/National/ ... bhcghsz/-/


Ankole cattle corridor faces anthrax outbreak
-------------------------------------------
Two people have already been reported dead in Sheema District, and the
region has now moved a quarantine on all animals.

The Ankole cattle corridor is on high alert following an anthrax
outbreak that claimed the lives of two people in Sheema District, last
week. The district health inspector, Mr Francis Mugume, said five
other people were admitted to Kabwohe Health Centre IV in critical
condition.

Mr Mugume identified the dead as males aged 56 years and 67 years, all
butchers in Mashojwa Village, Kagango Sub-county. [Previous reports
indicated that a third butcher might be among the sick. MHJ] Sheema
District Health Officer Johnson Kabwishwa told Daily Monitor that a
partial quarantine has been imposed on the sub-counties of Muzira,
Kibingo, Kagango, and Kabwohe Itendero Town Council to stem the spread
of the disease. "As a control measure, beef and its products have been
banned in the affected sub-counties and farmers have started
immunising their animals. We advise that dead animals should be buried
immediately," Mr Kyabwisho said.

Mbarara District veterinary officer Lewis Barigye said they are
investigating the cause of the death of a cow in Kyantamba Mixed Farm
in Kashaari. He said drugs for vaccination are readily available on
the open market in pharmacies and farmers should be able to vaccinate
their animals with the guidance of sub-county veterinary staff. The
district leadership held a meeting yesterday and slammed quarantine on
all movements of animals in the district.

Bushenyi veterinary officer Rusoke Tibakyenga said ring vaccination
will be carried out at the border with Sheema. "We have put up a
roadblock at Rwentuuha Township and will start immunisation today (7
Nov 2011) along the border of Bushenyi with Sheema District. We have
placed announcements on radios and there are talk shows to educate the
public about the dangers of the disease," Dr Rusoke said.

In Isingiro District, the district veterinary officer, Dr Bruhan
Kasozi, said the area was safe while Kiruhura's Francis Mugisha said
the district is already under quarantine.

[Byline: Otushabire Tibyangye]

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[Much of this is a repetition of yesterday's reports (see ProMED-mail
archive no 20111107.3316) but control activities, both voluntary and
compulsory, are now in place. So far, cases, whether human or bovine,
have been seen in the Sheema and Mbarara districts. The neighbouring
districts of Bushenyi, Isingiro, and Kiruhura are under alert with
quarantine measures and vaccination advisories, and some compulsory
vaccination.

To see where, go to the HealthMap/ProMED-mail interactive map of
Uganda at http://healthmap.org/r/1pFa and the district map at
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Districts_of_Uganda.

NB: Some African news websites have a reputation for being virus prone
so care is recommended when viewing them. - Mod.MHJ]

ANTHRAX, HUMAN, BOVINE - ROMANIA (02): (TULCEA), CONFIRMED
**********************************************************

A ProMED-mail post
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ProMED-mail is a program of the
International Society for Infectious Diseases
http://www.isid.org


Date: Thu 10 Nov 2011
Source: Eurosurveillance [edited]
http://www.eurosurveillance.org/ViewArt ... leId=20008


Two cases of infection with _Bacillus anthracis_, Romania, October
2011. R. Popescu et al Eurosurveillance, Volume 16, Issue 45, 10 Nov
2011

Abstract
A cluster of 2 confirmed cases of anthrax were reported in October
2011 from a small village with a population of 3400 people, in
southeastern Romania. One was a fatal case of cutaneous and anthrax
meningoencephalitis, while the other had cutaneous anthrax. Both cases
had been exposed to one _Bacillus anthracis_-infected cow via
consumption of its meat or being involved in its slaughter.

Two cases of anthrax were reported to the National Centre for
Communicable Diseases Surveillance and Control on 7 and 8 Oct 2011,
respectively by a local public health authority in southeastern
Romania.

Case description
Case 1
On 7 Oct 2011, a person in their 20s was admitted to a local hospital
with fever (40 C), chills, malaise, pustular lesions on both forearms
(symptom onset on 6 Oct 2011), blood pressure 65/40 mmHg and
respiratory arrest (symptom onset on 7 Oct 2011). After that, the
patient developed meningitis symptoms and died on 9 Oct 2011. During
the hospital stay, the patient was mechanically ventilated and
received dopamine, penicillin and ciprofloxacin intravenously. The
cause of death was reported as cardiovascular and respiratory failure
and septic shock due to disseminated infection with _B. anthracis_,
confirmed by presence of the bacterium on the skin and in the bloody
cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).

Case 2
Following the identification of Case 1, during the epidemiological
investigations conducted by the local public health department, a 2nd
person in their 20s was identified from the same village and
subsequently confirmed as a case of cutaneous anthrax. The onset of
symptoms in this case was 3 Oct 2011, and they included pustules on
the left-hand index finger. The case was hospitalised on 7 Oct 2011
and received penicillin and ciprofloxacin intravenously. The patient
responded well to the treatment; the general condition is now good,
and the patient was discharged from hospital.

Background information
According to data published by the European Centre for Disease
Prevention and Control, the number of notified cases of anthrax
continues to be sporadic in Romania, as well as in other EU countries,
and are mainly related to occupational exposure. Between 2006 and
2008, 13 confirmed cases of anthrax were reported from 5 EU countries:
Romania (n=3), Spain (n=3), Bulgaria (n=3), Greece (n=2), United
Kingdom (n=2). Between 2008 and 2010, no confirmed cases of anthrax
were reported in Romania [6-8]. None of the 3 cases identified in
Romania between 2006 and 2008 were in the district where the cases
described in this report occurred. In some cases, the source of
infection was sick animals, and in others, the disease was contracted
due to possible contamination of pre-existing skin lesions with _B.
anthracis_ spores from the ground [9].

In the past 5 years, there were 2 cases of infection with _B.
anthracis_ in animals (pigs) in this district in 2009, 62 miles from
the district where the cases described here were located (data not
shown).

Laboratory investigation
On 10 Oct 2011, biological samples (smears from pustules from both
patients and CSF from Case 1 who presented with meningitis symptoms)
were sent for diagnostic tests to the National Reference Laboratory
for Zoonotic Infections, "Cantacuzino." Microscopic examination of the
smears from both cases and the CSF from Case 1 showed the presence of
Gram-positive rods, typical of _B. anthracis_. The sample from CSF
from Case 1 did not grow in culture.

The laboratory results, based on mouse inoculation and culture on
blood agar, were received on 13 Oct 2011 and confirmed the presence of
_B. anthracis_ in both cases.

Epidemiological investigation
In the epidemiological investigation, a _B. anthracis_-infected cow
from the village where the cases lived, slaughtered on 28 Sep 2011 in
a private backyard, was identified as the source of infection.
According to the local veterinarian, the cow had been vaccinated
against anthrax in April 2011, but on 11 Oct 2011, the district
Veterinary Department confirmed _B. anthracis_ in the meat of the
slaughtered cow. No other suspected human anthrax cases or
anthrax-suspected deaths in animals were reported in the village
previously or since this cluster.

Nine people were exposed to the infected animal through consumption of
its meat that was not thoroughly cooked, and 4 of them took part in
the slaughtering of the cow, including Case 1 described above. Even
though the 2nd case declared only having consumed the meat and not
having participated in the slaughtering, he was diagnosed with
cutaneous anthrax. He probably contracted the infection while handling
the raw or insufficiently cooked meat.

Control measures
All persons at risk and all household contacts of the cases are being
carefully monitored during the maximum incubation period (until 12 Nov
2011) by the local general practitioner. So far, none of them have
presented symptoms of anthrax.

Veterinary control measures included disinfection and decontamination
of the household where the cow had been slaughtered. All the remaining
meat of the slaughtered cow and its organs were collected and
incinerated. The Veterinary Department vaccinated all animals (cattle,
sheep, goats and horses) in the village against anthrax and banned the
movement of animals in or out of the village until immunity is
installed.

Conclusions
In this cluster, due to the rapid implementation of measures by the
local health authorities, after the suspected diagnosis in the index
case, the 2nd case was detected in a timely manner and treated
appropriately, thus preventing further spread of the disease. At
present, it is thought that the public health impact of this outbreak
is only local. The infected cow was raised in the village, and there
was no notification of the animal's movement to other localities. The
meat had not been sold commercially, and the village is not usually
visited by tourists.

The 2 anthrax cases described could have been prevented if the
national legislation that requires examining the animal carcasses in
authorised slaughtering units by the official veterinarian or by a
person nominated by the authority had been taken into account [Amen! -
Mod.MHJ].

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[On the whole, anthrax is sporadic in Romania, with the occasional
overflow, as here, from slaughtered livestock into humans, e.g., 2009
in Botosani, where 2 dead cows infected 2 persons; the 3 pigs in the
Tulcea outbreak that year did not. The named counties with recent
outbreaks are Bistrita-Nasaud, Botosani, Constanta, Ialometa, Neamt,
Suceava, and Vaslui.

Actually, if you look at the dates, there was not a short interval
between exposure, 28 Sep 2011, and the onset of symptoms on 6 Oct 2011
by the index cases, who came to medical attention on the 7 Oct 2011.
"Short" in anthrax is from 2-4 days. The 2nd case's onset was 3 Oct
2011 and was found through back tracing and would probably have
recovered without treatment. The index case was unlucky -- he was the
only one out of the 5 butchering the carcass who was affected -- but
he raises an important point: meningoencephalitis from anthrax is much
more common than many realise and can be found in some 30-40 percent
of systemic cases. It is hard to treat successfully.

Tulcea is in the Danube Delta, an area with a long history of sporadic
anthrax outbreaks. To find it, go to:
http://www.fallingrain.com/world/RO/37/Tulcea.html.
- Mod.MHJ]

ANTHRAX, HUMAN, BOVINE - UGANDA (03): (WESTERN REGION) CONFIRMED
****************************************************************

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Date: Fri 11 Nov 2011
From: Robert Downing [edited]


The sample from cow was positive by rapid test and microscopy at
NADDEC [National Animal Disease Diagnostics and Epidemiology Centre],
which together with the clinical presentation will probably be
considered confirmed.

--
Dr RG Downing
Laboratory Director
CDC-Uganda
51-59 Nakiwogo Road
PO Box 49
Entebbe
Uganda


[While the formal results from the samples sent to CDC, Atlanta, have
yet to be revealed and WHO informed I think we can take it that this
is a series of livestock anthrax outbreaks and human cases. Our thanks
to Robert. - Mod.MHJ]