Health authorities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), with support from the World Health Organization (WHO), are responding to a suspected anthrax outbreak in the eastern province of North Kivu, where 16 suspected cases and one confirmed infection have been recorded.

The WHO is assisting with disease surveillance and investigation, aiming to identify the origin of the outbreak and transmission chains. The agency is also delivering medical supplies and treatment protocols, while facilitating cross-border coordination with Uganda, where seven additional cases have been reported.

Anthrax, also known as carbuncle, is a bacterial infection primarily affecting livestock. Humans can become infected through contact with infected animals or contaminated animal products.

The disease manifests in three forms in humans: cutaneous, gastrointestinal, and inhalational. All variants require hospitalization, and treatment is available through antibiotics.

While vaccines exist for both animals and humans, human vaccines remain limited in availability, raising concerns about wider transmission in vulnerable regions.

Efforts are ongoing to contain the outbreak amid limited health infrastructure and security challenges in the region.

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