BAGUIO CITY -- Health officials warned of a possible anthrax epidemic after more than 40 cases of infections related to the disease were reported in two different places in northern Luzon the past few weeks.
In Bangued, Abra, according to the town officials, 38 people were hospitalized and confined since May 8 after being infected with anthrax.
According to reports, residents acquired the virus after eating two infected carabaos in the town of Villaviciosa .
No deaths were reported due to timely aid given to the infected individuals by health sectors.
However, provincial veterinarian Diosdado Taverner said the Villaviciosa cases were isolated, and the spread of the virus was in control.
Taverner also led a group of officials from the Department of Health to investigate further the cases.
Taverner warned the public from eating livestock from the area at the moment, because of the high risk of acquiring the virus from local animals.
To stop spread of the disease, the provincial officials started vaccinating livestock in the area.
Head of the Animal Services of the Livestock division of the Department of Agriculture Dr. Arlene Sagayo visited the area and further investigated the condition of the livestock in Bangued to help prevent possible outbreak in the area.
In the northern part of Ilocos, another suspected case of anthrax was reported after livestock, including carabaos and pigs, started dying in the area.
However, officials have yet to confirm the cause of death, but still putting the possibility of anthrax as top priority in their investigation.
The Center for Health Development in the Cordillera warned the people to avoid eating local livestock until further proof of the virus is studied well.
Meanwhile, Dr. Amelita Pangilinan of the regional DOH based in Baguio, said the Abra cases were “suspected” as antrax based from symptoms exhibited by the victims.
Pangilinan said if the animal is already dead, it should not be eaten because the animal might have had an illness before it died.
Anthrax is caused by bacteria called Bacillus Anthacis found in animals like carabaos and cows.
It can be transmitted through eating of the meat. It is an airborne decease and even going near or holding the infected animal may cause the infection.
It can also kill when not immediately prevented and cured. -- By Reuben John Rivero, Glaiza Ana de los Reyes and Kristel Anne Jacoba
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