On Tuesday, the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development confirmed an outbreak of Anthrax, an infectious disease, on a farm in Zamfara State.
The ministry stated that the disease affects humans and animals and has been listed as a notifiable disease by the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH).
“The Federal Ministry of Livestock Development wishes to officially notify the public of a confirmed outbreak of Anthrax in a farm in Zamfara State. This development calls for heightened vigilance and proactive measures to mitigate the risks associated with the disease,” the ministry wrote.
“Anthrax, caused by the bacterium Bacillus anthracis, is a zoonotic disease that can affect various warm-blooded animals such as cattle, sheep, goats, horses, and wildlife, as well as humans. It is listed as a notifiable disease by the WOAH due to its potential to cause high morbidity and mortality.”
While Anthrax first appeared in Nigeria in July 2023, it is common among other African countries like Kenya, Malawi, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe. In 2023 alone, more than 1,100 cases were reported with 20 deaths on the continent.
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FIJ highlights some of the most important details of Anthrax, the deadly disease that only penetrated Nigeria two years ago.
IT IS A SPORE-FORMING BACTERIA
Anthrax is a deadly disease caused by bacteria known as Bacillus anthracis and can be contracted through skin contact with affected animals or contaminated products.
While this disease is common among animals such as cows, sheep, horses and goats, it can also affect humans.
According to the WOAH, it is a “serious zoonosis” which forms spores wherever it finds itself.
THEY ARE DIFFICULT TO ERADICATE
Anthrax bacteria form tiny and tough spores that can survive in the environment for an extended period. They settle in the soil, animal hides or wool.
The bacteria produce dangerous toxins and can be extremely difficult to control or eradicate. This is because they are highly resistant to external conditions and can survive for a long time.
IT CAN KILL BOTH HUMANS AND ANIMALS
Anthrax is not restricted to only animals. It can be contracted by humans. The initial victims are often people who handle animals.
However, they do not spread from animal to animal or from one person to another. They are contracted after coming in contact with the fluid of infected animals that fail to clot.
This disease can also be transmitted to humans by insects that feed on infected animals.
THERE ARE THREE TYPES OF ANTHRAX IN HUMANS
The bacteria manifests in three different ways in humans: cutaneous, gastrointestinal and inhalational.
The cutaneous affects the skin; gastrointestinal affects the digestive system while the inhalational anthrax causes an infection in the lung.
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WOAH states that the most common of the three is the skin infection which is often contracted after handling animals or animal products that contain spores. This is the least dangerous one and it can be treated with antibiotics if detected early.
On the other hand, the gastrointestinal and inhalational are more severe and would cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, abdominal pain and cough.
These deadly levels of Anthrax can be transmitted when animals with these bacteria are eaten. When the bacteria are not detected early or treated with aggressive antibiotics, they lead to death.
Cleveland Clinic states that “almost everyone who gets treated for cutaneous anthrax survives. About 20% of infected people who don’t get treatment die.
“Approximately 60% of treated people survive [gastrointestinal anthrax]. Without treatment, more than half of infected people die. Gastrointestinal anthrax can cause deadly brain and spinal cord swelling.”
However, in inhalation anthrax, “About 55% of infected people who receive treatment survive. That number drops to about 15% for people who aren’t treated.”
The post Outbreak in Zamfara: Troubling Facts About Deadly Anthrax appeared first on Foundation For Investigative Journalism.