Anthrax – Spain
- September 10, 2021
- < 1 min read
One confirmed case of Anthrax in a veterinarian in Extremadura, Spain after close contact with a horse.
The veterinarian contracted cutaneous Anthrax when she was participating in a horse autopsy.
The veterinarian is in a mild state and receiving treatment. Two other veterinarians were admitted to the hospital as a precaution because they may have been exposed to the pathogen.
The Minister of Health of Extremadura emphasizes the caution necessary in those who work with livestock.
Photo: Bacillus anthracis from an agar culture with spores (blue).
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.
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