Anthrax outbreak in northern Tanzania under control: official

Source: Xinhua| 2019-03-07 22:30:34|Editor: Mu Xuequan
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DAR ES SALAAM, March 7 (Xinhua) -- Tanzanian authorities said on Thursday the recent outbreak of anthrax in some northern parts of the country which killed seven people was now under control.

The deadly disease was reported in Moshi and Rombo districts in Kilimanjaro region, and in Longido in Arusha region where scores of other people were infected.

According to medical experts, anthrax is an infection caused by the bacterium known as Bacillus anthracis. Symptoms begin between one day and two months after contraction. The outbreak is believed to have spread to humans from a dead cow.

Hezron Nonga, the Director of Veterinary Services in the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries, said the ministry has distributed vaccines for cattle in the areas.

He said the Directorate of Veterinary Services in collaboration with development partners has distributed 100,000 anthrax vaccines in which Longido was given 35,000 vaccines, Moshi got 40,000 and Rombo was supplied with 25,000 vaccines.

"We have not recorded a new case of anthrax since we distributed the vaccines, and we are thinking of lifting a quarantine that stopped the transportation of cattle," said Nonga.

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