Two people tested positive for Anthrax in Odisha's Koraput
Two individuals in Odisha’s Koraput district have tested positive for anthrax, officials reported on Friday. The patients, residents of Padaiguda village in the Koraput block, are currently receiving treatment at the SLN Medical College and Hospital. This outbreak has been linked to a feast on June 14, during which at least ten village households received meat from anthrax-infected livestock.
In response, 410 people were screened as a precaution. Blood samples from six villagers were sent for laboratory testing, resulting in two positive cases of anthrax, according to Muktikanta Khatua, the Additional District Public Health and Medical Officer. Both patients are reported to be in stable condition.
Anthrax transmission can occur through the consumption of meat from infected cattle. To combat this, awareness campaigns are being conducted to educate villagers on the dangers of consuming such meat. Measures are also being implemented to prevent the spread of the disease to other areas.
What Is Anthrax?
Anthrax is an infection caused by the spore-forming bacteria Bacillus anthracis. It is a zoonosis (a disease transmitted from animals to humans) that primarily affects ruminants. The bacteria create extremely strong poisons that cause the symptoms, resulting in a high mortality rate. Humans can get the sickness from diseased animals or contaminated animal products.
Causes and Symptoms
There are three types of anthrax in humans.
Cutaneous, or skin, anthrax is the most frequent kind. It is often transmitted when a person with a breach in their skin, such as a cut or abrasion, comes into direct contact with anthrax spores. The ensuing itching lump quickly turns into a black sore. Some people then have headaches, muscular pains, fever, and vomiting.
Gastrointestinal anthrax is contracted after consuming meat from an infected animal. It produces symptoms similar to food poisoning, but they can progress to severe stomach discomfort, blood vomiting, and severe diarrhoea.
The most severe and rare type of human anthrax is inhalation or pulmonary anthrax. This type of disease occurs when a person is directly exposed to a significant quantity of anthrax spores floating in the air and inhales them. The first symptoms resemble those of a normal cold, but they can quickly develop into serious breathing problems and shock.
Prevention
- Preventing sickness in animals benefits human health.
- The primary goal of anthrax management in cattle is to break the cycle of infection. If a possible infectious source is known to exist, it should be eradicated immediately.
- In the event of a case or outbreak in livestock, management procedures include proper disposal of the carcass(es), decontamination of the site(s) and objects used to test and dispose of the carcass(es), and the start of treatment and/or immunization of additional animals if needed.
- The most effective way of disposal is incineration. The corpse should not be opened since exposure to oxygen will cause the bacterium to produce spores.
How are humans treated for anthrax?
- Adults and children can receive a 60-day antibiotic therapy that includes ciprofloxacin, doxycycline, and levofloxacin.
- A three-dose course of anthrax vaccination.
- In certain circumstances, therapy with monoclonal antibodies (raxibacumab and obiltoxaximab)
- Anthrax vaccination
Source: Inputs from various media Sources
