Cases of human anthrax infection found in Liaocheng, Shandong

A case of anthrax was discovered at a beef cattle farm in Liaocheng, Shandong, China. Five staff members were infected and have been isolated and receiving treatment.

According to China Central Television News on Friday (August 2, 2024), the location of the anthrax case was a beef cattle farm in Qiji Town, Yanggu County, Liaocheng City, Shandong Province. At present, the local area has closed the farm, and all livestock animals in the farm have been killed and harmlessly treated. The farm and the surrounding environment have been fully disinfected and monitored. No other positive livestock have been found, and related livestock products have not entered the market circulation link. At the same time, comprehensive epidemiological investigation, sampling and symptom monitoring of people in contact with sick animals have been carried out.

It is reported that five farm workers who have direct contact with sick animals have been diagnosed with skin anthrax. The symptoms are relatively mild and have been isolated for treatment. The rest of the close contacts have all strictly implemented health monitoring and no infection has been found.

Anthrax is an acute zoonotic infectious disease caused by Bacillus anthracis. It is mainly prevalent in herbivorous animals such as cattle and sheep. People are usually infected through contact with sick animals or animal products, and often have symptoms such as high fever, vomiting, and diarrhea.