The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development has issued an alert on the detection of anthrax in Ghana’s Upper East region, warning residents of communities in the states of Sokoto, Kebbi, Niger, Kwara, Oyo, Ogun and Lagos of the risk from the zoonotic infection. Vaccination of at-risk animals is encouraged and the public has been advised to refrain from ‘the consumption of Hides (pomo), Smoked Meat and Bush Meat’ in the interim. Read more
Advice for travellers
The anthrax bacterium is transmitted to people in the form of spores which are can produce disease through consuming contaminated meat, through inhalation or via contact with the wool, hair or hide of infected animals. The majority of cases have occurred in people involved in the livestock industry, so infection is a low risk to travellers. Read more about anthrax.
Before you travel, call Travelvax Australia’s telephone advisory service on 1300 360 164 (toll-free from landlines) for country-specific advice and information. You can also make an appointment at your nearest Travelvax clinic to obtain vaccinations, medication to prevent or treat illness, and accessories for your journey.