China reports five cutaneous anthrax cases in Shandong province
Officials in Yanggu county, Shandong province in eastern China report five cases of cutaneous anthrax among farmworkers on a beef cattle farm in Qiji Town in the county.
The workers' symptoms were mild, and they have been isolated for treatment. All other close contacts are under strict health surveillance, with no new infections reported to date, said the center.
A few cases of anthrax were found in cattle.
Authorities have shut down the cattle farm and all livestock on the farm has been slaughtered and put through safe disposal procedures, according to the county's disease control and prevention center.
No other positive livestock were found, and the relevant livestock products did not enter the market circulation chain.
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.
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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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