Since anthrax was re-listed as a notifiable disease in October 2001, nine human cases have been reported.

Imported cases

Two cases of cutaneous anthrax in individuals infected while traveling outside France were reported in 2003 and 2011. The countries where these two individuals were infected were Algeria and Turkey. In one case, the patient learned after the fact that a cow he had handled was infected with anthrax.

In 2026, a case of anthrax was confirmed in France in a person who reported no risk exposure in France. The investigation confirmed this lack of local exposure but revealed that the person had received various items, particularly food products, sent from Southern Africa. Given the situation regarding animal anthrax in this enzootic area where human cases are regularly reported, and the absence of risk exposure in France, the investigation concluded by default that the infection was linked to these products brought back from Southern Africa.

Cases acquired within the national territory

Zoonotic cases

In 2008, three confirmed cases of cutaneous anthrax occurred in Moselle among people who had handled the same anthrax-infected cow. In 2016 and 2021, two human cases of cutaneous anthrax that were not biologically confirmed occurred among people who had unprotected contact with cattle infected with anthrax (confirmed).

Cases of inhalational anthrax

In 2012, a human case was diagnosed in France in an intravenous drug user after injecting heroin contaminated with anthrax spores. This case occurred during an international outbreak, with cases diagnosed in Germany and the United Kingdom. This patient was the only case identified in France during this outbreak.

Outbreaks of animal anthrax occur every year during the summer in France, mainly in cattle herds. Individuals who have been in contact with animals infected with anthrax undergo an individual risk assessment conducted by the ARS in collaboration with an infectious disease specialist, taking into account the nature of their exposure to these animals, its duration, and how long ago it occurred. When a high-risk exposure is identified, these individuals are referred to a physician who determines whether medical management is necessary.