An anthrax outbreak in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is compounding an already dire humanitarian crisis fuelled by ongoing conflict, mass displacement and a surge in infectious diseases, the United Nations warned on Friday.
The global body announced that at least 16 suspected human cases of anthrax, including one confirmed case and one fatality, have been reported since late March in areas surrounding Virunga National Park.
The outbreak was first detected after dozens of buffalo and hippopotamus deaths from anthrax poisoning, raising concerns about transmission to humans in nearby communities.
“Since 22 March, following the deaths of dozens of buffalo and hippopotamuses in Virunga National Park from anthrax poisoning, 16 suspected human cases of anthrax have been reported, including one confirmed case. One person has died so far,” the UN said.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) is currently assessing the risk of further spread in the region where access to basic services has been severely restricted due to escalating violence.
The UN noted that the anthrax outbreak is widening critical gaps in healthcare and protection efforts.
The anthrax outbreak coincides with rising cases of mpox – another zoonotic disease – further straining the region’s health infrastructure.
While both diseases are treatable with antibiotics and preventable through vaccination, efforts to contain them are hampered by insecurity and poor living conditions in displacement camps.
WHO and its partners have launched awareness campaigns and livestock vaccination efforts to curb the spread, emphasising a unified approach that prioritises human, animal and environmental health.
The outbreak comes amid one of the world’s most complex displacement crises.
Nearly seven million people have been uprooted by violence in the DRC, according to the International Organisation for Migration.
More than 660,000 have fled the Goma region alone since January, after government forces lost control of the strategic cities of Goma and Bukavu to M23 rebels.
Displaced populations are living in overcrowded and under-resourced camps where unsanitary conditions and food insecurity are heightening vulnerability to disease.
Both mpox and anthrax are transmitted through contact with infected animals, but mpox can also spread between humans, making containment efforts more urgent.
JN/APA