Anthrax Spreads In Vizag, Animal Products Likey Source

Five men tested positive for Cutaneous Anthrax at King George Medical Hospital in Vishakhapatnam. This has lead the authorities to boost up their vigilance system to disrupt the exponential growth of the bacteria in the city which has taken 10 people in its grip in the past few days. Anthrax is a cylindrical shaped bacteria which is naturally found in soil and mainly affects domestic animals. This often leads to pneumonia, blood infection and can even cause death. Humans can also be infected by this bacteria (anthraces bacillus) by consuming animal products.

Spread of anthraces bacillus in the city

The number of people who have been infected with this bacteria are on the rise and the medical centres have been actively engaged in providing sufficient treatment to those admitted. "Three persons have shown symptoms of anthrax. We are requesting the Sarpanch and their family members to get admitted in King George Hospital for treatment," said district medical and health officer Dr Uma Sundari told DC. According to doctors, the disease may have infected the patients after consuming meat of an infected goat. While Vizag has been primarily affected by this disease, the entire Vishakhapatnam is likely to succumb to it, and this has jolted the authorities to curb the spread of the bacteria before it turns into an epidemic.

Cutaneous Anthrax occurs when the bacteria enters an abrasion on the skin. It usually starts out as a raised bump and then later develops into a blackened eruption. This form of anthrax responds well to antibiotics. 95 % of cases of anthrax are Cutaneous.

Authorities in Action

The authorities have pulled up their socks to prevent the bacteria to spread further and have switched to "emergency mode". They have decided to convert all the Public Healthcare Centers into 24-hour hospitals and have made sure that there is no shortage of medication and other facilities.

"Incidence of anthrax in the Agency areas of Vishakhapatnam is a recurring problem. This is the worst season in the Agency areas." said Giddi Eswari, YSRCP MLA from Paderu. The State Human Resource Department (HRD) Minister- Ganta Srinivasa Rao also visited the anthrax affected patients. Officials have upped their ante with the support of the Animal Husbandry Department to monitor the animals and ensure that the disease doesn't spread.

Authorities have also sent soil samples for medical examination so that proper anti-bacterial medication could be given to the patients suffering from the disease.