Koubia-Guinea: Anthrax re-surfaced with several cases

A new outbreak of anthrax has been reported in Middle Guinea in a town in the prefecture of Koubia -- just when Guinea is still struggling to overcome the epidemic of the Ebola haemorrhagic fever.

Several members of the same family, who ate meat from an infected animal, have been contaminated. "They are 11 people, of which 2 developed the disease, with a death in the community. A woman died of the disease, and a 2nd patient is showing signs [of the disease]: a man who is about 25 is currently hospitalized in the prefecture of Koubia, where he is being supported," said Dr. Thierno Ibrahima Kourouma, the prefectural director of health [DPS] in Koubia.

"When we were informed, an investigative mission visited the premises; the head of the center who went to carry out the investigation made a strong case for awareness [of the disease], and reminded people about the symptoms and dangers of the disease if the meat from animals infected with anthrax is eaten. In fact, those who consume the meat of the sick animal are at risk of developing the disease. Whether cattle or goats, all these animals can be contaminated," continued the DPS of Koubia.

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