High Case-Fatality Rate for Human Anthrax, Northern Ghana, 2005–2016
Jason K. Blackburn, Ernest Kenu, Franklin Asiedu‐Bekoe, Badu Sarkodie, Ian Kracalik, William A. Bower, Robyn A. Stoddard, Rita M. Traxler
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.
Topics & Concepts
Case fatality rateLivestockVeterinary medicineVaccinationEnvironmental healthMedicineBiologyVirologyPopulationEcologyBacillus and Francisella bacterial researchZoonotic diseases and public healthAnimal Disease Management and Epidemiology