Breaking news: Nigeria records first case of Anthrax

The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development revealed on Monday, July 17, 2023, in a statement signed by Dr Columba T. Vakuru, Chief Veterinary Officer of Nigeria, that animals showing signs of a possible case of anthrax on a farm in Suleja, Niger State, were reported to the Office of the Chief Veterinary Officer of Nigeria on July 14, 2023.

“The case was in a multi-specie animal farm comprising of cattle, sheep and goats located at Gajiri, along Abuja-Kaduna express way Suleja LGA Niger State, where some of the animals had symptoms including oozing of blood from their body openings – anus, nose, eyes and ears.

A Rapid Response team comprising of federal and states One Health Professional Team visited the farm to conduct preliminary investigations and collected samples from the sick animals. Subsequent laboratory tests by the National Veterinary Research Institute laboratory confirmed the diagnosis, marking the first recorded case of anthrax in Nigeria in recent years,” the statement reads in part.

The federal government issued a warning to Nigerians weeks ago after learning of an anthrax outbreak in Northern Ghana where all infected animals had died.

Anthrax is caused by the spore-forming bacterium Bacillus, which mostly affects livestock like cattle, sheep, and goats. However, it can also infect people who come into contact with infected people or contaminated animal products like meat, wool, or skins. Anthrax that spreads via the skin might result through open wounds or contact with contaminated objects, while anthrax that spreads through the air can happen when spores are inhaled.

According to Daily Trust, the federal government appealed to Nigerians to “immediately report cases of animals bleeding from body openings to veterinary authorities, or agriculture extension workers.

The blood of an anthrax-infected animal does not clot. Do not process or move the dead or sick animal, quickly report to your veterinary doctor or veterinary authorities at the ministry of agriculture in your state,” the statement urged Nigerians.

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A kiss of death: Pet owner dies after getting licked by his dog

Image for illustration purposes only. 

In a devastating turn of events, a little lick from his dog proved fatal for a 63-year-old man, who died after catching a rare infection from his pet’s saliva. According to news reports, the pet owner was admitted in the hospital after he complained of flu-like symptoms including high fever and muscle aches for three days.

The case study is mentioned in the European Journal of Case Reports in Internal Medicine.

The man’s condition got significantly worse as he started facing difficulty in breathing and developed painful blisters on his face, excruciating pain and unexplained bruises on his legs. Furthermore, he was diagnosed with severe sepsis as his organs began to fail and he suffered from brain damage.

Ultimately, his skin started to rot away and his liver started shutting down, leading to a cardiac arrest. The cause behind this deadly infection was Capnocytophaga canimorsus, a type of bacteria which can be found in the animal saliva. This fatal bacteria can be spread through bites, scratches or even licks of household cats and dogs.

While most people who come in contact with the Capnocytophaga, bacteria do not fall ill, one can never be too careful. It is also fatal in around 28 to 31 percent of cases

What you need to know

If you feel feverish or develop flu-like symptoms and have a pet at home, pay close attention to whether the symptoms are getting more complicated. The team, led by Dr Naomi Mader, wrote: 'Pet owners with flu-like symptoms should urgently seek medical advice when their symptoms exceed those of a simple viral infection, which in this case were (breathing problems and rash).

Should you let your dog lick you

Pet owners especially dog-lovers often treat their furry family members like their own babies. From talking, hugging to even kissing them, most people love to pamper their four-legged friends.

However, before you let your dog lick you in affection, it is important to understand that there are more than 700 different types of bacteria in a dog's mouth. Although it is highly unlikely, your dog’s disease-carrying saliva can also cause a fatal infection. The risk factor goes up for pregnant women, elderlies, babies and those with a weak immune system.

It is especially important that you steer clear of your pooch’s saliva if you have a wound or a broken skin, as it can be easily absorbed through the open sores.

Source: Timesofindia.com

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Treatment For Dog Bite

Playing with your dog, and somehow, got bitten Or alternatively, you could be walking down a street and an unknown mutt attack without warning.

It's very important to see a doctor, especially if an unfamiliar dog bit you, the bite is deep, you can't stop the bleeding, or there are any signs of infection (redness, swelling, warmth, pus). Dog bites can cause infections that need to be treated with antibiotics.

There are steps you need to take right away to treat the wound and reduce the risk of infection. You’ll need professional medical attention the same day.

Treatment For Dog Bite:

• Press on the wound gently to cause some bleeding to help flush out as much bacteria as possible.

• Place a clean towel over the injury to stop any bleeding.

• Try to keep the injured area elevated.

• Wash the bite carefully with soap and clean water.

• Apply a sterile bandage to the wound.

• Apply antibiotic ointment to the injury every day to prevent infection.

• Change the bandage several times a day once your doctor has examined the wound.

• Watch for signs of infection, including redness, swelling, increased pain and fever(if you notice these signs visit your doctor immediately).

When visit the doctor, your doctor will want to know more about the dog that bit you and how it happened. He or she will also likely clean the wound again, apply antibiotic ointment and prescribe antibiotics, such as Augmentin, if there’s an infection concern.

Your doctor may also give you a booster shot if your tetanus vaccine is out-of-date.

Depending on the wound, your doctor may also recommend stitches. Generally, though, dog wounds are left open to heal unless they are on the face or if they could leave particularly severe scars if left unsutured.

Bacteria from bites raises infection risk

Roughly 50 percent of dog bites introduce bacteria, including staphylococcus, streptococcus and pasteurella, as well as capnocytophaga.

Unvaccinated and feral dogs can also potentially carry — and transfer — rabies, so your doctor will want to know details about the dog that bit you.

Sources; 

https://pets.webmd.com/dogs/dog-bites

https://health.clevelandclinic.org/if-a-dog-bites-you-do-these-7-things-now/

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