Anthrax Cases Reported Among Residents in Armenia

The Ministry of Health has received information that two residents from the Getashen community in the Armavir region have been transferred to the "Nork" Infectious Diseases Hospital with ulcerated wounds on their fingers and wrists (cutaneous form of anthrax). The patients indicated that a few days ago, they participated in the processing and butchering of meat from a fallen cow belonging to a fellow villager. This information has been reported by the Ministry of Health.

In order to clarify the causal relationship of the cases, specialists from the National Center for Disease Control and Prevention of the Ministry of Health have traveled to the Getashen community in Armavir. As a result of the efforts undertaken and a joint inspection organized with health workers from the local health organization, six more individuals exhibiting symptoms related to the cutaneous form of anthrax have been identified. All have been referred to the "Nork" Infectious Diseases Hospital for clinical evaluation.

As a result of laboratory tests conducted by the National Center for Disease Control and Prevention, DNA of the anthrax pathogen has been detected in five patients using polymerase chain reaction methodology. Medical supervision has been established in the community.

The Food Safety Inspection Authority has been immediately informed about the cases, and jointly, actions have been taken to prevent the further spread of the disease. Work is ongoing.

To avoid anthrax infection and its complications, the Ministry of Health urges the public to:
- Do not purchase meat and meat products from random places;
- Do not approach fallen (dead) animals or touch them;
- If you keep livestock and notice health issues among them, contact a veterinarian immediately;
- If you observe ulcerated wounds, blisters, or reddish-blue spots on your skin, do not engage in self-medication and seek medical assistance.

It is worth noting that anthrax is a zoonotic infectious disease affecting both humans and animals, primarily presenting in cutaneous form, while pulmonary and intestinal forms are rare. Anthrax can be transmitted from domestic animals (such as cattle, sheep, horses, etc.) to humans through direct contact or via products derived from the animals.

The pathogens can enter the human body through breaches in the skin and mucous membranes (scrapes, cuts, etc.) when consuming infected food (raw or inadequately cooked meat, such as sausages or meat products). Infections typically occur during the care, slaughter, or processing of meat and hides. Transmission is also possible through contact with the meat of vaccinated animals (within 14 days of vaccination).

Anthrax spores can remain viable in the environment (in soil) for up to 100 years. In the cutaneous form, a reddish-blue spot appears on the skin, which transforms into a blister within several hours. The blister can burst spontaneously when scratched, leading to the formation of a dark brown ulcer.