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Health

Nigerian govt raises alert over outbreak of Anthrax

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The Nigerian Government has raised an alert over the outbreak of Anthrax, a zoonotic disease, in Zamfara State.

Mr. Ben Goong, Director of Information and Public Relations at the Ministry of Livestock Development, confirmed the development in a statement issued on Tuesday in Abuja.

According to Goong, the outbreak was detected on a farm in Zamfara.

Anthrax, caused by the bacterium ‘Bacillus anthracis’, affects warm-blooded animals such as cattle, sheep, goats, horses, and wildlife. Humans can also contract the disease, which is associated with high morbidity and mortality.

The disease spreads through contact with bacterial spores, often found in infected animal products or by-products. Symptoms in humans include fever, coughing, vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, sore throat, swollen lymph nodes, headaches, itching, and bleeding from major body openings.

Goong called on stakeholders and neighboring states to take urgent measures to prevent the disease from spreading further.

The statement read: “We urge the public to remain vigilant, report any unusual illnesses in animals or humans, and adhere to all preventive guidelines issued by relevant authorities.

“While Anthrax is preventable through coordinated efforts such as risk assessment, surveys, and ring vaccination of susceptible animals in high-risk areas, prompt detection and response are critical to containing its spread.

“The ministry remains committed to collaborating with all stakeholders to ensure a swift and effective response.”

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