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Dozens die in Burkina Faso crash

At least 66 people are killed in a collision between a passenger bus and a goods lorry in the west African country of Burkina Faso.

Anthrax examination begins on dead drum-maker's home

Health officials will today examine the home and workshop of a drum-maker who died after inhaling anthrax as he handled imported animal skins.Fernando Gomez, 35, from Hackney, east London, had been in the intensive care unit of Homerton University hospital since falling ill over a week ago. He died there yesterday with his wife and family around him.His flat was sealed off by the Health Protection Agency (HPA) and his workshop in the borough was also due to be examined.Seven other people who had been in the room where the skins were prepared were given antibiotics as a precautionary measure. None had developed symptoms.Professor Nigel Lightfoot, the HPA chief adviser, said residents who lived near the flat or workshop were not at risk."It is important to stress that it is the making of animal skin drums that is the risk for coming into contact with anthrax rather than playing or handling drums," he said."We are, however, keen to reiterate to all individuals who make drums from imported animal skins that there is a risk of coming into contact with anthrax and that they should ensure they are aware of this and take precautions to protect themselves."Jules Pipe, the mayor of Hackney, said: "This is an extremely rare case and this type of anthrax cannot be passed from person to person."The last similar death in Britain was in 2006 when Christopher Norris, 50, a Scottish craftsman who made musical instruments including drums died after inhaling anthrax.Last year a report from NHS Borders said it was likely Norris contracted the illness after playing or handling anthrax-contaminated west African drums at a drumming workshop.A fatal accident inquiry into his death is due to take place on November 18 at Edinburgh sheriffs court.Anthraxguardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2008 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds

MINING-WEST AFRICA: ECOWAS Stirs Up Trouble With MOU

ACCRA, Oct 24 (IPS) - The Economic Community of West African States has taken the unprecedented step of inviting Oxfam America to coordinate the drawing up of a mining code for the region. The decision has infuriated some civil society organisations.

Invention: Diabetes spice

A common West African spice could help tackle the diabetes epidemic, says a new patent application

Niger ex-slave wins landmark case

A West African court finds Niger guilty of failing to protect a woman from slavery in a landmark case.