A week after an outbreak of anthrax caused the death of more than 200 livestock in the district of Port Loko in NW Province, human cases have been identified in nearby Karene district. Media report that three people have acquired cutaneous anthrax, with the most likely route of transmission through contact with ‘infected animals, animal products or bacteria spores’. 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.