Seventeen suspected cases of coetaneous anthrax have been reported to the health authorities in Western Bahr el Ghazal State and the episodes were registered in Mabior Abiem, a rural area in Jur River County.
Health Director General Arkangelo Bambu Nela told SCR News that the first cases were reported at the end February.He added that surveillance officers visited the area and collected samples that are being analysed abroad and the results will be released in some weeks.
Dr. Bambu explained anthrax is passed on by animals infected with the bacteria. People can recognize sick animals because they have high temperature and bleed from mouth, nose and ears.
He added that there are different types of anthrax affecting the lungs, the intestine and the skin.
Dr. Bambu said cutaneous anthrax registered in Western Bahr el Ghazal is a benign form of the bacteria that can easily be treated with antibiotics.
Dr. Bambu added that the area of origin has been identified and no new cases were reported.
He explained that all the infected patients are responding well to the treatment.
The authorities formed a taskforce to inform the people how to prevent the infection together with a programme of massive vaccination that started on Wednesday. In two days 900 cattle and 500 goats were vaccinated.