Anthrax outbreak in Almaty: four cases reported

Tengrinews.kz - Several cases of anthrax have been reported in the Almaty region, citing a statement from the regional akimat press service.
On September 1, four suspected cases of anthrax were identified in the rural district of Ulken Aksu. Preliminary investigations suggest that the infection was caused by contact with an infected animal during slaughter carried out without veterinary supervision.
To determine the causes of the outbreak, the veterinary inspection, together with the State Sanitary and Epidemiological Control, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, and the Almaty region akimat, collected samples of raw materials and slaughter products from the homes of the infected, as well as soil samples from the site of the animal slaughter.

"The Republican Veterinary Laboratory has conducted microscopy and PCR analysis of the collected materials. The results of the bacteriological studies are awaited, and the samples have been sent to the National Reference Center for Veterinary Medicine in Almaty. On August 12, animal vaccination against anthrax was carried out in the settlement," the akimat’s statement notes.

Disinfection has been carried out in the settlement, and cattle from the infected households are under quarantine and isolation. Specialists are inspecting the animals daily, and no clinical signs of the disease have been detected. All necessary veterinary and sanitary measures are being implemented.
Almat Turysbekuly, head of the Almaty region health department, reported that cutaneous anthrax, when treated in a timely manner, usually has a high chance of recovery. The condition of all patients is assessed as moderate.

"Anthrax is not transmitted from person to person. The primary sources of infection are infected agricultural animals. The pathogen enters the human body through damaged skin, and less commonly through mucous membranes of the respiratory tract and gastrointestinal tract. The incubation period ranges from 2 to 14 days," noted Almat Turysbekuly.

Marat Ismailov, head of the Department of Sanitary and Epidemiological Control of Almaty Region, reported that the circle of individuals at risk of infection has been identified and all are under medical supervision.

"Local executive authorities have organized the work of an operational headquarters and strengthened control and oversight of the situation. The district police department has imposed restrictions on the export of meat and livestock outside the district and the import from other districts," the akimat of Almaty Region said.

Earlier, the Ministry of Health’s Committee for Sanitary and Epidemiological Control of Kazakhstan has confirmed that circulating reports about upcoming mass restrictions related to COVID-19 are false.
Risk of mpox in Kazakhstan commented by the Ministry of Healthcare