Anthrax Outbreak in Zimbabwe: A Growing Public Health Concern
Anthrax, a rare but serious infection caused by the bacteriumBacillus anthracis, has recently resurfaced in Zimbabwe. As of October 12, 2025, over 135 confirmed cases have been reported, according to the Ministry of Health and Child Care’s Weekly Disease Surveillance Report. While no fatalities have been recorded, the outbreak has raised concerns about public awareness, veterinary control, and the adequacy of rural health infrastructure.
Anthrax primarily affects animals such as cows, sheep, and goats, but it can also spread to humans through contact with infected animals or contaminated animal products. The illness manifests in different forms depending on how the bacteria enters the body, making it essential for individuals to understand the risks and symptoms associated with each type.
Causes of Anthrax Infection
Dr. Bekezela Ndhlovu from the Cimas Health Group emphasized the importance of understanding how anthrax is transmitted and what symptoms to look out for. He explained that the mode of entry determines the severity of the illness.
- Cutaneous (skin) anthraxoccurs when spores enter through a cut or scrape on the skin, causing a raised, itchy sore that develops into a black-centred ulcer.
- Inhalation anthraxhappens when spores are inhaled, leading to severe respiratory illness with flu-like symptoms that can progress to breathing problems and shock.
- Gastrointestinal anthraxresults from eating contaminated meat, causing nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and in severe cases, blood in vomit and intense abdominal pain.
Ndhlovu noted that while anthrax can be deadly, early detection and treatment with antibiotics can significantly improve outcomes. Vaccines are also available for people at higher risk, such as those working closely with livestock.
In Zimbabwe, the disease is most commonly transmitted through the consumption of contaminated meat and contact with infected cattle, particularly in rural areas.
Transmission in Rural Communities
“In rural parts of Zimbabwe, anthrax is most often transmitted through the consumption of contaminated meat and may also occur through contact with infected cattle,” Ndhlovu said. “People can become infected when handling, slaughtering, or skinning animals that are sick or have died from anthrax. In many cases, the meat comes from uninspected animals or from cattle that have died suddenly, often without clear cause.”
This transmission pattern is especially concerning in communities where livestock plays a central role in both diet and income. These populations are more likely to come into contact with infected animals or contaminated meat, increasing their risk of infection.
Symptoms and Forms of Anthrax
Anthrax can manifest in three primary forms, each with distinct symptoms:
- Cutaneous anthraxbegins as a small, itchy bump resembling an insect bite, which develops into a painless sore with a black center. Other symptoms include fever, headache, muscle aches, and vomiting. With prompt treatment, recovery is likely.
- Gastrointestinal anthraxoccurs after consuming contaminated meat from infected animals. It typically starts with nausea, loss of appetite, vomiting, and abdominal pain, followed by severe diarrhea. In advanced cases, patients may vomit blood and experience intense abdominal pain.
- Inhalation anthraxis the most dangerous form, beginning with mild, flu-like symptoms such as fever, sore throat, and fatigue. As it progresses, it can cause severe breathing difficulties, chest pain, and shock. Without early treatment, this form is often fatal.
Public Health Response and Challenges
The Zimbabwean Ministry of Health and Child Care has responded to the outbreak with heightened surveillance and public health messaging. However, challenges remain, particularly in rural communities where livestock is central to both diet and income.
“Certain communities and occupations in Zimbabwe face a higher risk of anthrax infection,” Ndhlovu said. “People who work closely with animals—such as veterinarians, farmers, and abattoir workers—are the most vulnerable. Laboratory staff who handle anthrax samples are also at risk if proper safety measures are not followed.”
He added that people living in areas known as anthrax hotspots, where outbreaks have occurred in the past, face increased exposure. These communities are often rural and rely heavily on livestock, making them more likely to come into contact with infected animals or contaminated meat.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Ndhlovu explained that Zimbabwe’s approach to diagnosing anthrax is largely clinical. “In Zimbabwe, it is not generally recommended to take a laboratory specimen. Cases are treated on a clinical and epidemiological basis. This means individuals presenting with typical symptoms and a history of exposure in areas where there is an outbreak are treated based on a clinical diagnosis.”
However, anthrax can be confirmed through laboratory testing, as its symptoms can resemble other common illnesses. Blood samples or biopsies from skin sores can be analyzed under a microscope or through culture tests. In more severe cases, additional tests such as lumbar punctures or imaging tools like chest X-rays or CT scans may be used to detect signs of infection in the lungs.
Conclusion
Early recognition of anthrax symptoms is crucial for effective treatment. The disease’s incubation period varies, with symptoms appearing anywhere from one day to two months after exposure. Understanding the risks and seeking prompt medical attention can save lives.