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. 2021 Apr;27(4):1216-1219.
doi: 10.3201/eid2704.204496.

High Case-Fatality Rate for Human Anthrax, Northern Ghana, 2005-2016

Jason K Blackburn, Ernest Kenu, Franklin Asiedu-Bekoe, Badu Sarkodie, Ian T Kracalik, William A Bower, Robyn A Stoddard, Rita M Traxler

High Case-Fatality Rate for Human Anthrax, Northern Ghana, 2005-2016

Jason K Blackburn et al. Emerg Infect Dis. 2021 Apr.

Abstract

The human cutaneous anthrax case-fatality rate is ≈1% when treated, 5%-20% when untreated. We report high case-fatality rates (median 35.0%; 95% CI 21.1%-66.7%) during 2005-2016 linked to livestock handling in northern Ghana, where veterinary resources are limited. Livestock vaccination and access to human treatment should be evaluated.

Keywords: Africa; Bacillus anthracis; Ghana; bacteria; case-fatality rate; cutaneous anthrax; enteric infections; food safety; gastrointestinal anthrax; human anthrax; livestock; livestock vaccination; mortality; surveillance.

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Figure
Districts in northern Ghana reporting human anthrax case and mortality data during 2005–2016.
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