DOH says ‘very low’ risk of general public getting anthrax

DOH logo. INQUIRER FILES

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Health (DOH) gave assurance of a “very low” risk of the general public contracting anthrax.

“Veterinarians, farmers, livestock personnel, and other workers who handle animals and their products may have a higher risk,” it said in a statement Saturday, following reports of an anthrax outbreak in Laos which has prompted its neighbor Thailand to step up its border control of livestock.

The DOH added that people can avoid anthrax by exercising care with animals.

“Because the risk is specific to certain populations and occupations, available vaccines for Anthrax are not used for the general population,” it noted.

“The public can avoid getting Anthrax by avoiding raw or undercooked meat or meat products. Avoid contact with livestock or animal remains,” it also advised the public.

READ: DOH tags anthrax cases in Cagayan as ‘controlled’

The DOH said it has not documented any case of anthrax infection in the country since the beginning of this year. It likewise said that only 82 suspected anthrax cases were recorded in the Philippines from 2017 to 2023.

It, however, vowed to continue monitoring other countries in relation to anthrax infections and coordinate with the Department of Agriculture for other measures that may be implemented to boost government efforts against anthrax.

Anthrax is caused by a bacteria called bacillus anthracis and animals can be infected by breathing or ingesting spores. It can be serious, but can be treated by antibiotics.

Thailand’s government has ordered officials to closely monitor livestock along the border with Laos after more than 50 people were reported to have contracted anthrax in the neighboring country.

Thai authorities have been working closely with those in Laos after receiving reports of the outbreak and have prepared vaccines in case of infections being detected in Thailand.