Health officials in Sirajganj, Bangladesh are reporting an addition 25 human anthrax cases in Shahzadpur upazila in recent days, according to local media.
This is the third wave of anthrax cases in the upazila since May.
The outbreak is linked to anthrax tainted meat. All the cases are considered cutaneous anthrax, according to the report.
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.
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