Anthrax Alert: A Deadly Bacterial Threat from Animals to Humans
Anthrax, locally known in some areas as “Kali disease,” is an ancient and well-documented illness. It is recognized as a major epidemic in the Animal Epidemics Act of B.E. 2499 (1956) and is a highly dangerous infectious disease found in nearly all grazing animals—both wild, such as elephants, muntjacs, and deer, and domesticated, such as cattle, buffaloes, goats, and sheep. The disease can spread to humans and other animals including tigers, dogs, cats, and pigs. Outbreaks typically occur in areas with a history of previous anthrax cases. In humans, anthrax presents in three forms: cutaneous, inhalation (from breathing in spores), and gastrointestinal/oropharyngeal (from ingesting contaminated meat).
Cause of the Disease
Anthrax is caused by the bacterium Bacillus anthracis, an aerobic, non-motile, spore-forming rod (1–1.25 x 3–5 nm) from the Bacillaceae family. Under the microscope using Gram stain, it appears as large square-ended Gram-positive rods either solitary or in short chains. When exposed to harsh environmental conditions, it forms highly resistant spores capable of surviving extreme heat, cold, and disinfectants for decades in soil or animal remains.
Transmission
In Humans:
Most cases occur via skin contact, particularly among farmers, butchers, veterinarians, or anyone handling infected animals or their by-products. Unintentional exposure or poverty can also lead people to butcher and consume infected animals. The skin form arises when spores enter through cuts or abrasions. Inhalation anthrax occurs by breathing in spores attached to animal hair or wool from endemic areas—though this has not been reported in Thailand. Gastrointestinal and oropharyngeal anthrax result from consuming undercooked infected meat. Animals contract the disease by grazing in spore-contaminated fields or inhaling dust and spores during the early rainy season.
Incubation Period
In humans: 12 hours to 7 days; up to 60 days if exposed via bioterrorism.
In animals: Often rapid, especially if exposed through both ingestion and inhalation simultaneously.
Symptoms in Humans
Cutaneous Anthrax:
Begins as a small red bump (often on exposed skin like hands, arms, legs) that develops into a fluid-filled blister, then a black ulcer (eschar). Lymph nodes may swell, but the wound itself is often painless. If left untreated, new lesions may appear. Fatality rate without treatment: 5–20%.Gastrointestinal Anthrax:
From consuming undercooked meat of infected animals. Within 12–24 hours, symptoms include fever, abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting—often mistaken for food poisoning. Without prompt treatment, ulcers may develop in intestinal lymph nodes, causing severe pain, internal bleeding, and death. Fatality rate: 50–60%.Note: Some cases involve chewing infected meat, leading to oropharyngeal anthrax with ulcers in the mouth or throat, swollen neck glands, and facial swelling.
Inhalation Anthrax:
Usually affects workers in industries involving animal hair, bone, or hides. Symptoms begin as flu-like, then progress rapidly to respiratory failure and death within 3–5 days. Fatality rate: 80–90%.
Prevention Measures
Avoid contact with infected or dead animals, especially in historically affected areas.
Wear protective gear (gloves, masks, coveralls) when handling animals or carcasses.
Clean hands and equipment thoroughly after contact with raw meat.
Consume only certified, hygienically sourced meat products.
Never eat raw or undercooked meat, especially from animals that died of unknown causes.
We are committed to providing academic and professional health information support to workplaces, covering a wide range of topics in general health and occupational medicine. Our team offers expert health consultations, delivering caring, prompt, and efficient services to ensure customer satisfaction and maximum benefit.
Whenever it’s time for a health check-up, think of SEMed Living Care Hospital. We never stop improving because your long-term health is our priority.
TEL.: 0-2199-2111 To 161 Marketing Department
Or 081-358-6493 (Mr.Aon), 086-368-5317 (Mr.ICE)
Email: [email protected]
LINE: @semed
Facebook: SEMed living care hospital
Source by : department of disease control
