Abstract:

Background: A report of suspected human anthrax in Kwekwe District was received by Midlands Provincial Medical Director. Anthrax is a notifiable disease. We investigated factors associated with contracting anthrax in Kwekwe.

Methods: An unmatched 1:2 case control study was conducted. A case was an Ntabeni resident and satisfied the standard case definition of anthrax. Controls were residents who did not develop anthrax. Unmatched analysis was used to establish risk factors.

Results: Twenty-one cases, median age 33 (Q₁=16; Q₃=49) and 43 controls, median age 33 (Q₁=27; Q₃=44) were interviewed. Twelve cases were males. All cases had contact with dead cattle or their products. Knowledge on anthrax was low. Risk factors were skinning OR = 8.9 (95% CI 2.32-33.8) and cutting meat OR = 3.2 (95% CI 1.07-9.58). Not handling anthrax infected carcasses was protective OR = 0.06 (95% CI 0.01-0.3), having no cuts OR = 0.04 (95% CI 0.003-0.28) and having no cattle deaths in the household OR = 0.12 (95% CI 0.03-0.45). Epidemic preparedness and response was below the national standards. No communication system was in place. Cost of the outbreak control activities was US$19950.

Conclusion: Outbreak resulted from contact with and consumption of anthrax infected carcasses. Skinning and cutting were risk factors for contracting anthrax. Quality of outbreak response was poor. We recommend that the district prioritize Ntabeni clinic for radio provision, hold zoonotic committee meetings and conduct an awareness campaign.

Keywords: notifiable, zoonotic committee, epidemic preparedness.

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