Cutaneous anthrax involving the genital area

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Infectious Diseases
• Zoonotic Disease Transmission
• Dermatology

Background:

• Anthrax is a serious infectious disease caused by Bacillus anthracis.
• Cutaneous anthrax is the most common form, often acquired through contact with infected animals or animal products.
• Pediatric anthrax cases are rare, making each presentation a significant learning opportunity.

Observation:

• A 5-year-old female child presented with a lesion on the labia majora.
• The patient reported a history of being licked on the hand by a sick cow 5 days before initial medical consultation.
• The cow subsequently died, suggesting a potential source of infection.

Findings:

• The labial lesion was diagnosed as anthrax.
• This case represents a rare instance of genital cutaneous anthrax in a child.
• The incubation period between animal contact and hospital admission was approximately 8 days.

Implications:

• This case underscores the importance of considering zoonotic diseases in pediatric dermatology, even with unusual presentations.
• Early recognition and diagnosis of anthrax are crucial for effective treatment and preventing complications.
• Public health awareness regarding safe animal handling practices is essential to mitigate the risk of anthrax transmission.