Anthrax, which is a microbial disease originally seen in animals, is caused by contact with animal organs containing germs, mostly parts such as wool, hair and hides, or by eating animal meat. Stating that the disease can be treated with antibiotics, experts underline that people who suspect the disease should definitely consult an infectious diseases specialist.
Üsküdar University NPISTANBUL Hospital Infectious Diseases Specialist Dr. Yakup Hakan Başaran gave important information about the anthrax disease that threatens public health.
What are the symptoms of anthrax?
Stating that inhalation of particles containing rare germs can also cause life-threatening pulmonary anthrax, Uzm. Dr. Yakup Hakan Başaran expressed the symptoms of the disease as follows:
"After skin contact, the incubation period is 1-7 days for bacteria to form signs of infection. Symptoms begin as an itchy rash and within 1-2 days after the onset of symptoms, this rash first becomes a fluid-filled sac and then a wound with a hollowed-out center. This sore is painless, but sometimes some itching may occur. Over time, the sore develops a black coating and heals in a few patients, leaving a permanent scar. If contaminated animal products are eaten, anthrax can develop in the entire digestive tract, starting from the mouth, and is more difficult to diagnose because it can be confused with other diseases."
People with suspicion should definitely see a doctor
Stating that the disease can be treated with antibiotics, Başaran said, "People who suspect the presence of the disease should definitely consult an infectious diseases specialist. Microbiological diagnosis with samples sent to the laboratory is cheap, practical and absolutely necessary. In cases where a definitive diagnosis is made, the area where the disease is seen is quarantined and the disease has to be reported internationally."
What should be done to protect against anthrax?
Infectious Diseases Specialist Dr. Yakup Hakan Başaran listed the things to be done to protect against anthrax as follows:
1. Infected animals should be identified at the source and animals should be vaccinated,
2. Workers in outbreak areas should wear gloves, protective equipment and respirators with special filters,
3. People with suspected contact should be washed with plenty of soap and water, bleach should not be used until a definitive diagnosis is made, but after a definitive diagnosis is made, the materials used (such as knives, pots and pans) and clothes should be washed with 1/10 diluted bleach.
4. Suspicious animal organs and parts, as well as the person's clothes, should be carried in three layers of plastic and cleaned to prevent contamination.
5. Antibiotic treatment of contact persons should be planned.
6. Vaccination is available but not recommended except for risky occupational groups.
7. Even though it is possible to treat the disease, it is not recommended to consume animals and animal products that harbor the germ, even if they are well cooked, as they cannot prevent the disease.