On August 15, China Central Television (CCTV) reported that nine residents of Bao Hien village, Van Thuy district, Shanxi province, have been hospitalized with symptoms of anthrax.
Four of the nine patients have been transferred to Thai Nguyen province for treatment. Two of them have already been discharged from the hospital. The remaining five patients are receiving treatment at the hospital in Bao Hien village.
According to CCTV, all the patients were involved in livestock farming and slaughtering.
The patients exhibited numerous blistering and ulcerative lesions on their hands and feet. Their lymph nodes were also infected and swollen.
Bacillus anthracis, the pathogen that causes anthrax. (Photo: China CDC).
In June, another patient from Liaoning province, also from Van Thuy district in Shanxi, was reported to have similar symptoms.
Authorities in Shanxi province have stated that they have intensified monitoring of livestock activities and environmental inspections to prevent the outbreak from spreading.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), anthrax originates from a type of bacteria found in the soil. The disease typically affects wild and domestic animals when they inhale or ingest spores present in contaminated soil, plants, and water.
Anthrax can have severe effects on both humans and animals. It is not contagious but can cause illness in humans if they come into contact with infected animals or consume products made from contaminated animal meat.
