Anthrax is a bacterial disease that affects both animals and man, and leads to pneumonia, severe lung problems, difficulty in breathing, shock and death, if not diagnosed and treated early.
PEOPLES GAZETTE
The Federal Government has alerted Nigerians to the outbreak of Anthrax disease in neighbouring countries within the West African sub-region.
Ernest Umakhihe, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, announced this in a statement in Abuja on Monday.
He said that the affected countries are, Northern Ghana bordering Burkina Faso and Togo.
Mr Umakhihe said that the disease, which had claimed some lives, is a bacterial disease that affects both animals and man.
He said that Anthrax spores are naturally found in the soil and commonly affects domestic and wild animals.
Mr Umakhihe said that people could get infected with Anthrax spores if they come in contact with infected animals or contaminated animal products.
He said that the disease is not contagious one cannot get it by coming in close contact with an infected person.
“Signs of anthrax are, flu- like symptoms, such as cough, fever and muscle aches,” he said.
He said that if not diagnosed and treated early, it will lead to pneumonia, severe lung problems, difficulty in breathing, shock and death.
The permanent secretary said that anthrax being a bacterial disease, responds to treatment with antibiotics and supportive therapy.
“It is primarily a disease of animals but because of man’s closeness to animals, non vaccinated animals with anthrax can easily be transmitted to man through the inhalation of anthrax spores.
“It could also be through consumption of contaminated or infected animal products, such as hides and skin, meat or milk,” he said.
Connect with us on our socials: