 has said that contact tracing efforts are underway after Anthrax outbreak){kind=link}
The Upper East Regional Director of the Ghana Health Service (GHS) has said that contact tracing efforts are underway after Anthrax outbreak in the Binduri District of the Upper East Region killed one person while 11 others are infectedHe said in a statement that the victims consumed the carcass of dead cattle infected with anthrax.
“On June 1, 2023, the Regional Health Directorate received notification for two anthrax cases with one death in Binduri District following the consumption of dead cattle.“In all, four cattle have died in the affected community. So far, 11 suspected cases have been identified and contact tracing efforts are underway in the community.”
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The statement, therefore, warned all districts especially those bordering Binduri to be on high alert, prioritise and intensify surveillance activities for anthrax at all health facilities and communities.
The statement urged the districts to manage suspected cases with Ciprofloxacin and Doxycycline and employ risk communication to sensitise communities.
“Community members should be engaged to desist eating dead cattle of unknown cause and appropriate linkages should be established with Veterinary Service in each district for a holistic control of the disease,” it said.
WHAT IS ANTHRAX OUTBREAK?
Anthrax is a serious infectious disease caused by gram-positive, rod-shaped bacteria known as Bacillus anthracis. It occurs naturally in soil and commonly affects domestic and wild animals around the world. People can get sick with anthrax if they come in contact with infected animals or contaminated animal products.
WHO CAUSED THE ANTHRAX OUTBREAK?
Federal prosecutors declared Ivins the sole perpetrator on August 6, 2008, based on DNA evidence leading to an anthrax vial in his lab. Two days later, Senator Chuck Grassley and Representative Rush D. Holt Jr. called for hearings into the Department of Justice and FBI’s handling of the investigation.
WHAT IS THE EFFECT OF ANTHRAX OUTBREAK ON HUMANS?
The most serious complications of anthrax include: Your body being unable to respond to infection normally, leading to damage of multiple organ systems (sepsis) Inflammation of the membranes and fluid covering the brain and spinal cord, leading to massive bleeding (hemorrhagic meningitis) and death.
HOW FAST DOES ANTHRAX OUTBREAK KILLS?
Infection usually develops within a week after exposure, but it can take up to 2 months. Without treatment, only about 10 – 15% of patients with inhalation anthrax survive. However, with aggressive treatment, about 55% of patients survive.