By NewsDesk @infectiousdiseasenews
The Public Health Center of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine reported Wednesday that the regional laboratory center in Odessa received a report of a case of suspected anthrax.
During the epidemiological investigation, it was established that on August 3, 2020, the patient had a fever and a boil appeared on his leg, which turned into an ulcer. He did not seek medical help. The patient buys animals for resale.
Four days later on Aug. 7, he sought medical attention.
The reference laboratory of the Center for Public Health of Ukraine isolated the DNA of the anthrax pathogen by PCR.
Specialists of the regional laboratory center and the State Food and Consumer Service are taking the necessary measures to prevent the spread of the disease.
Medical supervision of contacts, carrying out of a full complex of anti-epidemic and preventive actions in the center is organized.
Anthrax is a particularly dangerous acute infectious disease caused by the bacillus anthrax, depending on the site of penetration of the pathogen, in cutaneous or generalized (intestinal, pulmonary, septic) form.
Anthrax is present in most parts of the world, but the frequency of outbreaks varies.
Spores of anthrax bacteria can remain dormant in the soil for a long time and become active when the soil surface is disturbed, for example, as a result of floods, downpours or landslides. The disease usually reappears when spores subsequently enter the stomach of an animal with grass on pasture.
This incident is sporadic – manifested only occasionally and in individual outbreaks.
Sources of infection and routes of transmission
This infection belongs to zoonoses – that is, a person becomes infected either from an infected animal or from contact with skin and wool.
The main source of infection – sick domestic herbivores: cattle and sheep. Animals become infected by eating grass, other foods or drinking infected water.
Anthrax most often affects people who work with animals and animal products – bones, wool, skin, meat.
Anthrax is not transmitted from person to person.
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