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Suspected Anthrax Outbreak Declared in Boyolali
Boyolali - The district government of Boyolali, Central Java, has declared an Anthrax outbreak in the region because of suspected anthrax transmission from animal to humans. The government is trying their upmost to prevent further spread of the disease.
“The suspected skin anthrax infection suffered by nine citizens in Tangkisan, Karangmojo, has been declared as an outbreak, because there has never been any case of anthrax in the area. This is the first case for Karangmojo village. The status will also make the handling of the case more focused,” said Head of the Health Service Office of Boyolali district, Yulianto Prabowo on Sunday (20/2/2011).
Yulianto said the nine citizens suspected of anthrax are recovering and have left the hospital. But, they are still closely monitored in anticipation of possible disease transmission to others.
As was reported earlier, nine citizens of Tangkisan, Karangmojo village, Andong subdistrict, Boyolali, were suspected of contracting anthrax from cattle. A cow/bull owned by one of the citizens was sick. It was then slaughtered and the meat consumed by citizens.
Afterwards, nine people suffered from high fever followed by the emergence of blistering spots on the skin. Some even swelled and extended to other parts of the body. Initial examination of the nine patients concluded possible skin anthrax, which was contracted from the sick animal they consumed.
The Health Service Office of Boyolali district has instructed the local Community Health Center (Puskesmas) to monitor and administer antibiotics to the patients. Their health status is continuously checked and surveillance is done on the health of other citizens to anticipate possible spread.
Meanwhile, the Livestock and Fishery Service Office of Boyolali district stated they will vaccinate all cattle in Dukuh Tangkilan, Karangmojo village, on Monday (21/2/11). Head of the Office, Dwi Priyatmoko, said vaccination of all animals in Tangkisan is a preventive measure so the disease will not infect other animals.
Records from the Health Service Office showed there had been an anthrax outbreak in human in Boyolali in 1992. At that time, the incident occurred in Kopen village, Teras subdistrict. A total of 25 people were determined positive for anthrax, with 18 resulting in fatalities. (Muchus Budi R/adi)
Source : detikNews