Anthrax – South Sudan

There is an outbreak of anthrax infection in human beings in Warrap after laboratory analysis showed positive results.

Anthrax is a serious infectious disease caused by gram-positive, rod-shaped bacteria known as Bacillus. The disease occurs naturally in soil and commonly affects domestic and wild animals around the world.

The declaration was made by health officials after samples of 20 patients suspected of anthrax were taken to Uganda for further laboratory tests were confirmed positive.
Local authorities are in coordination with the national ministry of animal’s resources to contain the spread of the disease.

People can also get sick with anthrax if they come in contact with infected animals or contaminated animal products. The community is advised to avoid eating dead animal meat.Anthrax is an infection caused by the bacterium Bacillus anthracis. It can occur in four forms: skin, lungs, intestinal, and injection. Anthrax is spread by contact with the bacterium’s spores, which often appear in infectious animal products.

The skin form presents with a small blister with surrounding swelling that often turns into a painless ulcer with a black center.

The inhalation form presents with fever, chest pain, and shortness of breath.

The intestinal form presents with diarrhea which may contain blood, abdominal pains, nausea, and vomiting.

The injection form presents with fever and an abscess at the site of drug injection.

Human anthrax is most common in Africa and central and southern Asia, though it can occur anywhere. Skin infections represent more than 95% of cases.