In an update to the anthrax outbreak reported earlier this week in Morropón Province, Piura Region in Peru, the latest figures from the Health Network Morropón-Chulucanas shows the number of cases have increased by more than 20, according to a La Republica report (computer translated).
Officials say the case tally has now reached 54, including six children under the age of 11.
It was previously reported that the source of the human anthrax infections were from infected cattle.
The National Service of Agrarian Health (Senasa) is vaccinating livestock in the affected areas such as La Encantada, El Sausal, Ñómala and Huápalas, where there have been cases. Senasa also carries out monitoring, control and prevention of the disease that affects cattle, goats, sheep and humans that consume the contaminated meat.
Health officials are advising the public to avoid cattle that have died of “strange circumstances” and allow health officials the determine the cause of death.
Robert Herriman is a microbiologist and theEditor-in-Chief of Outbreak News Today and the Executive Editor of The Global Dispatch
Follow @bactiman63
3 thoughts on “Peru anthrax update: 54 cases in Morropon province”