Health

Anthrax: Farmers, Herders, Butchers Face Most Risk Of Disease, says Dr Philip Oshun

Dr. Philip Oshun, an Infection Control Practitioner at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) has said that the people who work in close contact with animals are the one who face the highest risk of contracting the Anthrax Disease.

In an interview with ARISE NEWS on Tuesday, Dr. Oshun stated that the disease, which is spread from animals to humans, could easily be contracted by those who work closely with animals, as the disease could survive for a long time by encasing itself with spores.

Oshun said, “The infection can be usually from animal to human, and how does that occur? By human beings getting in contact with the blood of animals, with the hides and skin, with the wool, with the meat of the animals. So, that means that the people who are at risk mainly would be those who are in close contact with these animals. Those that work in farms, the cattle rearers, the herders, the abattoir workers.”

He then said that the exposure to this disease could lead to three different types of infections in humans; A skin infection, quoted to be the the most common, which is caused when bacteria gets in contact with a cut or abrasion in the skin, which in turn, will lead to sores on the skin, fevers, headaches and body pains. He then said that it could present itself as symptoms of food poisoning after contaminated meat is ingested and affects the intestine, as the infected person can exhibit vomiting, diarrhoea and bloody diarrhoea. Lastly, the most uncommon one happens when one inhales the spores containing the disease. This, he said, is the worst of the infections as it causes difficulty in breathing in people, which could eventually lead to death.

Explaining the inefficiency of human-to-human transmission, Dr. Oshun said, “The human-to-human transmission is not very efficient. It’s very inefficient human to human transmission. Like I said, if you look at the skin infection, it’s mainly through cuts. So, if someone has a skin infection, and the fluid from that skin infection gets into another person’s cuts or bruises, then maybe it’s possible. But usually, human-to-human transmission is not very common.”

Oshun then assured that Anthrax is a very treatable disease, and that it is important that people present themselves to healthcare early if they start exhibiting symptoms. He then advised the Cattle rearers and butchers to quarantine any sick animals. Also, he said that the carcasses of animals that died from this disease should be burned rather than slaughtered, as it will help to prevent the spread of spores from these animals.

The doctor advised Nigerians to buy meat from reliable sources, making sure they get their products from hygienic places. He then said that meat should be cooked properly before consumption so as to prevent any infections.

Ozioma Samuel-Ugwuezi

Follow us on:

Ozioma Samuel-Ugwuezi

View Comments

  • E-AUCTIONE-AUCTIONE-AUCTIONO7O 4540 6674 }CAR FEATURES AND PRICES BELOW
    GOLF , 2, 3,4 ,.300,000 to 500,000

    Toyota Camry Big==#550, 000Daddy==N750,000.

    Toyota Camry Tiny-Light==
    N500,000

    Toyota Avenza ==N1.3. To N3. million

    Toyota Hilux==950,000 to N 2.5 million

    Toyota Avensis==N650,000.

    Toyota Camry Muscle==N 900,000. & Spider==N950,000.

    Avalon==N670,000.

    Rav4 SUV==800,000 to N1.million

    Toyota Sienna==N850,000.

    PATHFINDER 900,000

    Toyota 4Runner==850,000 to N1.3million

    Tundra==950,000 to N3.8. Million

    picnic==N650,000.

    Toyota Highlander==850,000 to
    N3. 5m
    Corolla==N500,000.

    Prado==N1.m To 1.7 million

    Toyota LandCruisser==N850,000. to 2mill

    Toyota Yaris==N650.000.

    Toyota Matrix==N700,000.

    Toyota Haice Bus==N 950,000 to 1.2mill

    MDX ==N1.5
    TIPPER head 6m

    M
    ZDX==N1.7
    DYNA TRUCK 900,000
    Honda Pilot==N950,000

    Crosstour 850,000

    CR-V 500,000 to 900,000

    Benz ML350 900,000

    Accord 500,000

    EOD 550,000

    Rx300==N800,000. To N1.1 Million

    Range Rover evogue 3.0mill

    GX460 ===2M

    Benz ===900,000 to 3million

    Rx330==N950,000 To N1.8 Million

    ES330 900,000 to 3million

    Tacoma ===950,000 to 3mill

    Benz C-Class ===950,000 to 3m

    GLK ==1.5m to 3mill

    Range Rover Sport 2010 3mil

    IS250==900,000 to 2milli

    Rx350==N900,000 To N2.3 Million

    TUNDRA ===950,000 to 2m

    Gx470 ===1,300,000. to 3m

    IS350 950,000 to 3mill

    ES350 ==950,000 to 2mill
    O7O 4540 6674 }
    Rx470==N2.m AII070_4540_6674

Recent Posts

Nigerian Troops Uncover Gun-Running Syndicate In Plateau, Arrest Two Suspects

Operation Safe Haven has arrested two suspects in Plateau, recovering firearms amid intensified efforts against…

13 seconds ago

APC Calls For State Of Emergency in Zamfara Over Security Challenges, Faults Governor Lawal’s Actions

Zamfara’s APC has accused Governor Lawal of undermining federal efforts to combat banditry, calling for…

3 mins ago

Nigeria, China Highlight Cultural Initiatives, Entertainment As Key To Promoting Peace

Nigeria and China have stressed the role of cultural initiatives in fostering peace and unity…

7 mins ago

Ibom Deep Sea Port Requires Federal Support, Not State’s Sole Responsibility, Says Akwa Ibom Governor Eno

Akwa Ibom Governor Eno has emphasised the need for investors and FG partnership to move…

16 mins ago

Sokoto Government Denies PDP’s Claims Of ‘Outrageous’ N30bn Street Fencing Contracts

The Sokoto State Government and PDP have clashed over allegations of a N30 billion contract…

21 mins ago

NAF Received 12 Aircraft in One Year, More Expected To Combat Nigeria’s Security Challenges, Says Air Chief Abubakar

The Nigerian Air Force has bolstered its fleet with new aircraft to confront the country's…

38 mins ago