Dominican Republic Boosts Surveillance Over 13 Suspected Anthrax Cases in Haiti
Dominican health authorities remain on alert after 13 cases are placed under investigation in Haiti; no cases reported in the DR, officials say.
The Dominican Republic has reinforced preventive epidemiological surveillance following the registration of 13 suspected cases of anthrax under investigation in Haiti, according to Listín Diario and Dominican Republic Post. The country's Ministry of Public Health (Ministerio de Salud Pública) said no cases of the disease have been recorded in the Dominican Republic.
Also known as carbunco, anthrax is caused by the bacterium Bacillus anthracis, which forms aerobic spores that can produce disease in humans and animals, according to references cited by the outlets from the New York State Department of Health and the U.S. National Library of Medicine. The infection is typically found in hoofed animals, but humans can contract it through handling animals or animal hides. It is described as more common in developing countries lacking veterinary public health programs and in agricultural regions.
Symptoms appear one to seven days after exposure. Cutaneous anthrax, the most common form, causes itching and a blister or ulcer covered by a black crust. Inhalation anthrax is often lethal, while gastrointestinal anthrax results from eating undercooked infected meat. Reports note the disease is not spread through casual person-to-person contact and can be treated with antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin or doxycycline when started early.