LOCATION: Kunene and Zambezi Regions
EVENT: Reports of Suspected Anthrax in Livestock, Wildlife, and Humans
The U.S. Embassy advises U.S. citizens to avoid all contact with dead animals in the wild, particularly following reports of suspected anthrax (Bacillus anthracis) in livestock, wildlife, and humans in the Kunene and Zambezi Regions. Bacillus anthracis is a naturally occurring bacteria that is present in Namibia. In previous seasonal outbreaks, the Namibian government has advised not to touch or eat meat from dead animals found in the wild.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises that people become infected with anthrax when spores enter the body. Anthrax is not contagious.
Actions to Take:
- The CDC advises against working with infected animals or animal products (including hides) and eating raw or undercooked meat from infected animals.
- For more information about anthrax, please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website.
- To obtain CDC travel notices, call the CDC at 1-800-CDC-INFO (1-800-232-4636) from within the United States, or 1-404-639-3534 from overseas, or visit the CDC website.
Assistance:
- Contact the U.S. Embassy in Namibia, located at 14 Lossen Street, Windhoek, Namibia, at +264 (61) 295-8522 [American Citizens only], Monday – Thursday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Friday 8:00 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. After-hours emergency number for U.S. citizens is +264 (85) 686-0853. Email consularwindhoek@state.gov for American services.
- Call 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or 1-202-501-4444 from other countries from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
- Namibia Country Information
- Namibia Travel Advisory
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program(STEP) to receive security updates.
- Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.
