Following recent concerns sparked by reports in an Asian country, the Department of Health (DOH) on Monday, April 8, reassured the public that there have been “no new” reported cases of anthrax in the Philippines from January to March 2024.
DOH Secretary Teodoro Herbosa, during an interview with Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon, addressed the issue, highlighting the “misconception” surrounding anthrax as a new disease.
"Akala ng mga tao ay bagong disease ito pero back then, we have dermal anthrax (People thought it was a new disease, but back then, we had dermal anthrax)," Herbosa clarified.
Herbosa explained that anthrax, also known as "Bacillus anthracis," originates from the feces of carabaos and cows, with a notable prevalence in farming regions such as Cagayan and Isabela in the past.
"We have had anthrax for a long time, but it was dermatologic anthrax," he said, noting its historical impact on farmers exposed to infected soil.
"Kung ikaw ay barefooted at tumapak dito, magkakaroon ng bakokang sa legs at ito ang dermal anthrax (If you are barefoot and step on it, you get sores on your legs, and this is dermal anthrax)," he said.
Prevention
Meanwhile, despite no new cases of anthrax records in the country, Herbosa stressed the importance of preventive measures, particularly among farmers.
"Magbota sila kasi natatapakan ang dumi ng kalabaw o baka, dito nanggagaling ang anthrax (They should wear boots because anthrax comes from stepping on the dung of carabaos or cows)," he advised.
"Pagkatapos naman magsaka ay maghugas agad ng paa (After farming, they should wash their feet immediately)," Herbosa added.
He also disclosed that there is currently “no vaccine” available for anthrax.
Anthrax cases
Moreover, in the Philippines, the DOH reported on March 30 that only 82 suspected anthrax cases were recorded over seven years, spanning from Jan. 1, 2017, to Dec. 31, 2023.
Additionally, DOH stated that there were no reported anthrax health events from 2019 to 2021 and none recorded from Jan. 1 to March 29, 2024.
READ: https://mb.com.ph/2024/3/30/does-not-spread-like-flu-anthrax-risk-to-public-very-low-says-doh