Human Cutaneous Anthrax, Georgia 2010–2012

Abstract

We assessed the occurrence of human cutaneous anthrax in Georgia during 2010–-2012 by examining demographic and spatial characteristics of reported cases. Reporting increased substantially, as did clustering of cases near urban centers. Control efforts, including education about anthrax and livestock vaccination, can be directed at areas of high risk.

Epidemiological and laboratory investigation of a zoonotic anthrax outbreak in West Bengal, India

“…Compared to female, 67% of the male population were found to be exposed to cutaneous anthrax. Such higher incidences of cutaneous anthrax in male population could be due to their increased exposure to infected animals during handling, skinning or butchering and direct contact with uncooked meat as also reported by other workers [26][27][28].…”

Identifying hotspots of human anthrax transmission using three local clustering techniques

“…Previous research in the neighboring country of Azerbaijan has suggested that public health interventions such as anthrax livestock vaccination, and proper outbreak management can reduce the occurrence of human cases (Kracalik, Abdullayev, et al, 2014). Ideally, areas with a high incidence of livestock anthrax would be targeted for control measures, however, in Georgia reporting is anthropocentric, relying heavily on the dissemination of human reporting (Kracalik, Malania, et al, 2014). To achieve more effective levels of disease management, a recent study (Kracalik, Malania, et al, 2014) has suggested that in resource constrained environments identifying hotspots of transmission may allow for a better allocation of public health services.…”

“…Ideally, areas with a high incidence of livestock anthrax would be targeted for control measures, however, in Georgia reporting is anthropocentric, relying heavily on the dissemination of human reporting (Kracalik, Malania, et al, 2014). To achieve more effective levels of disease management, a recent study (Kracalik, Malania, et al, 2014) has suggested that in resource constrained environments identifying hotspots of transmission may allow for a better allocation of public health services.…”

“…Anthrax is a growing veterinary and public health concern in the country of Georgia. Recent reports have indicated a dramatic increase in the incidence of human cutaneous anthrax (HCA) while livestock cases remain underreported (Kracalik, Malania, et al, 2014). The causative agent of the disease, Bacillus anthracis, is a soil-borne bacterium with a remarkable ability to survive in the environment for long periods of time (Hugh-Jones & Blackburn, 2009).…”

Modeling the Ecological Niche of Bacillus anthracis to Map Anthrax Risk in Kyrgyzstan

“…2 However, in resource-limited areas, widespread vaccination may be financially prohibitive and untenable. Of particular concern are agrarian and resource-limited countries in the Caucasus [2][3][4] and Central Asia, [5][6][7] where independence from the former Soviet Union has hindered public health management because of decreased funding. 5 In Central Asia, anthrax represents a major veterinary and public health concern 5,7,8 .…”