THE Department of Health yesterday issued a health advisory against cutaneous anthrax, suspecting an outbreak of the disease in Lagangilang, Abra after 23 suspected cases were reported in the town last December.
Health Secretary Enrique Ona said the suspected cases were all males and with age ranging from 2 to 52. No death was reported.
Ona said a DOH team is now assisting local officials in coordination with the Bureau of Animal Industry in the conduct of an outbreak investigation.
Anthrax is endemic in the Philippines. It generally affects animals such as carabaos. Humans become secondarily infected after exposure to diseased or deceased animals. Three forms of the disease may exist, namely cutaneous, inhalational and gastrointestinal depending upon the mode of transmission. Both inhalational and gastrointestinal forms of anthrax are rarely found.
Cutaneous anthrax commonly occurs as a result of unsafe handling of dead animals that allow resilient anthrax spores to cause notable skin lesions via minor cuts in the exposed body surface. Complete recovery is expected as it has a very benign clinical course. Mild discomfort may be reported although the characteristic ulcers remain painless during the entire illness.
Ona said antibiotics may be given as treatment and as prophylaxis to close contacts. Serious symptoms such as high grade fever, difficulty of breathing or any abnormal bleeding require immediate access to a hospital.
In communities where animals die unexpectedly, proper handling of carcass with personal protective equipment is important. Death of these animals should always be reported to proper authorities.
Dead animals should not be eaten to eliminate risk from illnesses associated with sick animals, among them anthrax. Those who develop skin lesions 2-5 days after handling deceased animals or contaminated flesh should seek medical advice.
The health chief said vaccination of animals against anthrax is strongly recommended. Immediate reporting of unexpected animal deaths to proper authorities is also encouraged.
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