Human Anthrax in Kazakhstan From 2016 to 2018

Özet

Anthrax is primarily a disease of herbivores, and it occasionally infects humans. The majority of human cases occur in an agricultural environment and result from individuals coming into contact with dead or dying animals. Although anthrax occurs worldwide, it is endemic in Kazakhstan. The data were obtained from the reported and recorded cases of anthrax in Kazakhstan between 2016 and 2018. The results were analyzed according to clinical presentation, source of infection, and transmission. In 2016–2018, 21 cases of anthrax were registered in five regions of Kazakhstan. Contamination of people occurred when dying animals were illegally slaughtered. Of these cases, 17 were of cutaneous form and 4 were of generalized form that ended by death due to delayed diagnosis and therapy. A fatal clinic form of anthrax was presented. Clinical forms of human anthrax are life threatening. Early diagnosis and initiating supportive treatment with appropriate antimicrobial therapy can save life. Educating physicians and animal owners, following good veterinary practice, ensuring close surveillance, and regular immunization of animals against anthrax may control infection in endemic and hyperendemic areas.