An epidemic of human anthrax--a study.

Area of Science:

• Zoonotic diseases
• Infectious disease epidemiology

Background:

• Bacillus anthracis (B. anthracis) infection in animals can pose a risk to humans.
• Improperly prepared meat from infected animals is a potential transmission route.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report and analyze a cluster of human anthrax cases linked to a single infected animal.
• To describe the clinical presentation and outcomes of different anthrax forms.

Main Methods:

• Case series reporting.
• Clinical data collection and analysis.

Main Results:

• Twenty-five human anthrax cases were identified following contact with and consumption of meat from an infected cow.
• Cutaneous anthrax predominated (18 cases), with full recovery.
• Intestinal anthrax occurred in 7 individuals, resulting in 2 pediatric deaths and 5 adult survivors.

Conclusions:

• Consumption of improperly cooked meat from B. anthracis-infected animals can lead to severe human anthrax.
• Prompt medical treatment is crucial for cutaneous anthrax, while intestinal anthrax carries a significant mortality risk, particularly in children.