Anthrax: What to know
A recent announcement by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development cautioning citizens against the consumption of certain foods in the country has raised concerns among citizens.
On Monday, June 12, the government released a statement advising citizens to steer clear of popular foods like hides (ponmo), smoked meat, and bush meat as these foods could potentially carry the anthrax disease currently ravaging Northern Ghana and Togo.
As Nigerians continue to process this recent development, here are five important things you should know about the disease.
What is anthrax disease?
Anthrax is an infectious disease that can become fatal if left untreated. This disease is commonly found in mammals such as cattle, sheep, goats, camels, and antelopes. Humans can also contract this disease if exposed to infected animals.
Is anthrax contagious
Anthrax is not a contagious disease. A direct person-to-person spread of the disease is unlikely.
Prevention
A no-contact rule is mostly preached by health practitioners. Humans are advised to avoid contact with livestock and animal products that are poorly prepared.
Treatment?
Yes. Doctors prescribe antibiotics to treat this disease and advise early treatment, if treated late or left untreated, this disease could become fatal to the infected person.
Also, in 1940, an anthrax vaccine for human use in humans was created and is reportedly 93 effective.
Vaccination?
The Centre for Disease Control and Prevention has advised ”people who work directly with the organism in laboratories, people who work with animal hides or furs with limited means of prevention of the disease, people who handle potentially infected animal products in high-incidence areas, and military personnel working in high-risk areas to get vaccinated against the disease.
The CDC recommends pregnant women steer clear of the vaccination except in absolutely necessary cases.
