New Delhi: Two people in Odisha’s Koraput district were found positive for anthrax disease, reported officials on Friday. The outbreak is linked to a feast that took place on June 14, where at least 10 families of the village had consumed the meat of cattle that diet of anthrax. The patients were admitted to the SLN Medical College and Hospital.
What is Anthrax?
Anthrax is a rare infectious disease that is caused by exposure to Bacillus anthracis bacteria, these bacteria are inactive in soil, according to the Cleveland Clinic. The disease from anthrax majorly affects animals that graze on land and have the bacteria.
Moreover, people can become infected through inhaled bacteria spores, contaminated food or water or skin issues.
What causes anthrax?
Bacillus anthracis bacteria causes anthrax. The bacteria produce spores that can stay in the ground for years. Wild animals such as deer and livestock like cattle or sheep can inhale or ingest the inactive spores while grazing.
The anthrax bacteria activates after mixing with bodily fluids, multiples and spreads throughout the body. The bacteria causes a toxic and potentially deadly reaction. This process happens to people who inhale, ingest or come into skin contact with the spores.
Prevention of anthrax
One of the treatment methods for anthrax is the vaccine which is 90 per cent effective at preventing the infection. The vaccine is only available to people between the ages of 18 and 65 years who work in high-risk professions like farmers, livestock handlers, military members and researchers who study the bacteria. If you receive five doses of the vaccine over 18 months. The vaccine also prevents the infection to a large extent.
Symptoms of anthrax
Chest pain and trouble breathing.
Fatigue.
Fever and profuse sweating.
Headache or muscle aches.
Itchy blisters or bumps.
Skin ulcer (sore) with a black centre.
Nausea
Vomiting
Abdominal pain
Bloody diarrhoea.
Swollen lymph nodes.
Odisha’s Koraput district reports an outbreak of anthrax disease, reported officials on Friday. The outbreak is related to a feast that took place on June 14, where at least 10 families of the village had consumed the meat of cattle that diet of anthrax. What is this rare infectious disease Health Conditions Health News: Latest News from Health Care, Mental Health, Weight Loss, Disease, Nutrition, Healthcare
