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Human anthrax in Turkey: A ten years' experience (2009-2018)
Seher Topluoglu1, Dilber Aktas2, Bekir Celebi3
1MD, PhD and Head, Department of Zoonotic and Vector Borne Diseases, General Directorate of Public Health, Ministry of Health, Ankara, Turkey.
Tropical Doctor
|November 10, 2020
Summary
Human anthrax cases in Turkey are decreasing but remain a concern, particularly in eastern provinces and large cities. Continued collaborative control programs are essential for managing this notifiable disease.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Infectious Disease Surveillance
Background:
- Anthrax is a notifiable zoonotic disease in Turkey, requiring integrated control strategies.
- Human anthrax prevention relies on monitoring animal reservoirs and implementing public health interventions.
- Effective disease control necessitates understanding epidemiological patterns and evaluating past interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate national anthrax surveillance data from the last decade.
- To assess the effectiveness of implemented prevention and control activities.
- To identify trends and risk factors associated with human anthrax in Turkey.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of national anthrax surveillance data from 2010-2020.
- Review of control activities coordinated by the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry.
- Epidemiological analysis including incidence rates, geographical distribution, and seasonal trends.
Main Results:
- A total of 1174 human anthrax cases and 9 deaths were reported over the decade.
- Anthrax incidence was higher in eastern provinces and major cities with significant animal movement.
- Males and individuals aged 30-64 years exhibited higher incidence rates, with peaks in summer and autumn.
Conclusions:
- Human anthrax incidence is declining in Turkey but persists.
- Geographical and demographic factors influence disease distribution.
- A sustained, collaborative One Health approach involving animal and human health sectors is crucial for ongoing anthrax control.
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