In addition to a death, the authorities have identified at least 638 people who may have been exposed to bacteria that cause the disease; The infection can take place in different ways
This Friday, 2, the Thailand He confirmed the first death of Anthraz since 1994. The case has turned on a public health notice after the authorities have identified at least 638 people who may have been exposed to bacteria that cause the disease, considered rare and serious.
Thursday 1, the World Health Organization (WHO) had already warned a outbreak of illness Democratic Republic of the Congo. According to the international entity, at least 16 suspicious cases of Antrace were recorded there with a confirmed death. The pathogen also led to the death of 50 hippos of the Viruga National Park in the Eastern of the country.
After all, what is anthrax?
The Antrace – also called Carbuncle – is an infection caused by A bacterium Called Bacillus Anthracis. It is well known in the veterinary and agricultural environment, as it mainly reaches animals such as goats, oxen, sheep and horses. Even wild, such as hippos, elephants and buffaloes, can be affected.
In humans, cases are rare, especially in the countries that adopt prevention measures in the management of animal and animal products. These measures include, for example, health control.
What makes these bacteria so resistant is its ability to form spores: a sort of “lethargy” of bacteria, especially when the environment is unfavorable and without nutrients. This structure is able to survive on the ground, surfaces, clothes and even animals.
These spores are common in rural areas and in the regions where the soil naturally houses bacteria. The animals that graze in contaminated soils end up ingesting or inhaling the spores and therefore the disease spreads. Most human cases occur just when there is contact with infected animals, meat or skin.
Despite the low frequency, Anthraz still raises concerns. This is because their spores can be manipulated into a laboratory and transformed into infinable powder, being used as a biological weapon.
In 2001, the Anthraz spores were sent by post to envelopes in United States. The attack, which occurred near the Twin Towers attack, left five dead people and 17 other patients.
How does the transmission occur?
The transmission of the anthrax to humans can take place in three main ways, depending on the entry of the spores in the body:
- Leather (skin) – It is the most common form. It occurs when the spores enter cuts or wounds on the skin, usually after manipulating infected animals or their products (such as skin or hair).
- Inhalation (from the lungs) – is the most serious and lethal form. It happens when the person inhales the spores suspended in the air. It is therefore the type of anthrax most associated with use as a biological weapon.
- Gastrointestinal – Less common, it occurs when ingesting harmful contaminated meat.
There is also an even more rare form called “Antrace for injection”, reported on consumers of injection drugs contaminated with bacteria, especially in Europe.
In most cases, Antrace is not transmitted from person to person. However, in very unusual situations, the infection can be transmitted from one person to another by direct contact with wounds or contaminated objects.
The most effective form of prevention is to vaccinate the herds in the regions where Antrace is common. This reduces the risk of soil contamination and human transmission.
How does Antrace in the body manifests itself?
The time between exposure to bacteria and the onset of symptoms usually varies from 1 to 6 days. But in the case of Antrace’s inhalation, it may take longer: symptoms may appear up to six weeks after contact with spores.
Skin form: Start with a red ball on the skin, scratching, but it doesn’t hurt. Over time, the lesion increases in size, has a reddish edge, causes swelling and form bubbles. At the center, a wound appears that releases a light liquid or blood, then turns into a “dark cortex – known as” evil pustola “.
It is common that the person has swelling in the ganglia, as well as malaise, body pain, fever, nausea and vomiting.
Gastrointestinal anthrax: It can be asymptomatic, but it also involves serious and fatal frames. The patient may have fever, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and blood diarrhea. In some cases, there is an accumulation of fluid in the abdomen (ascites), intestine necrosis and widespread infection.
Antrace for inhalation: The initial symptoms resemble those of a common influence, such as fever, tiredness and body pain. But in a few days, the image worsens with thoracic pain, lack of breath, coloring of bluish skin (cyanosis), shock and loss of consciousness.
Internally, bacteria cause serious inflammation in the chest ganglia (lymphadenitis), which spreads to the surrounding tissues, causing accumulation of liquids and swelling in the lungs. In extreme cases, hemorrhagic meningitis or gastrointestinal form of the disease may occur.
How is the treatment done?
The treatment begins with the use of antibioticswhich help to fight the bacteria responsible for the infection. The type of antibiotic, or their combination, will depend on the shape of the disease, the severity of the person and the health conditions of the person.
In situations such as the injection anthrax, it may be necessary to surgically remove the infected tissue. When the infection is in an advanced stage, especially in pulmonary form, antibiotics may not manage alone. In these cases, in addition to drugs, the patient may need hospitalization with intensive care, such as the use of mechanical fans.
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
