Investigation of an anthrax outbreak in Makoni District, Zimbabwe.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Anthrax continues to be a disease of public health importance in Zimbabwe, with sporadic outbreaks reported annually in many parts of the country. A human anthrax outbreak occurred in wards 22 and 23 of Makoni District from mid-June 2013 to end of January 2014, following cattle deaths in the wards. Laboratory tests confirmed anthrax as the cause for the cattle deaths. This study investigated the clinical characteristics, distribution of cases (places, person and time) and risk factors for contracting the anthrax disease. We also assessed the environment, district preparedness and response, and outbreak prevention and control measures.

Methods

We conducted an outbreak investigation using a mixed-methods design. A 1:1 case-control study was used to assess risk facto

SUBMITTER: Makurumidze R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7866675 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature