A rare case of anthrax zoonosis from an infected cow to butchers and meat handlers.

BACKGROUND

Anthrax is a fatal disease of domestic and wild herbivores, caused by Bacillus anthracis, a Gram positive spore forming bacterium. Humans pick up infection from affected animals or their products but occupational exposures are rare. Human anthrax is often fatal except cutaneous form, but some untreated cases progress to fatal septicaemia and occasionally death.

CASE: A rare cutaneous anthrax outbreak in Murshidabad was traced back to exposure of sick cow or its meats. Anthrax infection both in the cow and humans were confirmed by laboratory tests. Susceptible livestock were vaccinated and the affected people were treated orally with Doxycycline and topically with Neosporin for 7 days. Cutaneous lesions healed completely in 7 days time.

CONCLUSION

Prompt diagnosis of anthrax and successful treatment with Doxycycline and Neosporin, was highlighted to cure cutaneous anthrax. Vaccination was advocated to prevent the disease in livestock. Farmers were advised to avoid sick animal consumption and commerce.