NewsDesk @bactiman63

Wounds characteristic of anthrax were found on the hands and forearms of six residents of the Piyadalar village of the Barda region of Azerbaijan, according to a Vesti report.

Baku
Azerbaijan
Image/CIA

On the recommendation of a specialist doctor of the infectious diseases department of the Barda Central District Hospital at TƏBİB, these persons were hospitalized in the infectious diseases department of the Central District Hospital. Samples taken from patients for laboratory testing were sent to the Mingachevir Regional Center for the Control of Especially Dangerous Infections of the Ministry of Health. The results of 3 samples were positive.

Persons with positive results of laboratory tests are being treated in the infectious diseases department of the Barda CRH.

Their state of health is assessed as stable. Patients are expected to be discharged home soon.

Anthrax is a serious infectious disease caused by gram-positive, rod-shaped bacteria known as Bacillus anthracis. Anthrax can be found naturally in soil and commonly affects domestic and wild animals around the world. Although it is rare, people can get sick with anthrax if they come in contact with infected animals or contaminated animal products

Cutaneous  anthrax occurs when the spore (or possibly the bacterium) enters a cut or abrasion on the skin. It starts out as a raised bump that looks like an insect bite. It then develops into a blackened lesion called an eschar that may form a scab. Lymph glands in the area may swell plus edema may be present. This form of anthrax responds well to antibiotics. If untreated, deaths can occur if the infection goes systemic. 95% of cases of anthrax are cutaneous.