An unusual case of anthrax infection unfolded in Texas when a man contracted the disease after handling and eating infected meat.
A Texas man in his 50s was hospitalized with anthrax after butchering and consuming a suddenly deceased lamb from his ranch, prompting medical treatments and a full recovery, as the Daily Mail reports.
The man, whose identity has not been disclosed, was enjoying a meal on Christmas Eve when he prepared and ate meat from a lamb that had unexpectedly died. Although he ate the meat with two other individuals, he was the only one who fell ill. A week after consuming the lamb, he began experiencing severe symptoms including blistering, swelling, and necrotic, blackened skin on his right arm.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported the incident in its Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. They emphasized the dangers of consuming or handling animals that die suddenly.
The man resides near the Texas "anthrax triangle," a region known for its susceptibility to the disease. Despite the colder winter temperatures, an unexpectedly warm December period may have allowed the anthrax bacteria to remain active in the soil. The source of the lamb’s anthrax infection remains unconfirmed, but scientists suggest ingestion of anthrax spores from the soil is a likely cause. The disease can cause sudden death in sheep by spreading rapidly from the gut to the bloodstream, leading to sepsis.
Anthrax infections in humans can occur through skin contact with contaminated animal carcasses, ingestion of infected meat, or inhalation of spores. Although rare in the United States, with only about five cases annually, anthrax is highly fatal, necessitating urgent medical intervention. The man's condition was managed with ciprofloxacin, a strong antibiotic, resulting in a full recovery within a week. He was subsequently discharged from the hospital.
CDC scientists advise, "Processing animals that die suddenly from unknown causes should be avoided, irrespective of the season.” This caution underscores the inherent risks associated with handling such livestock.
Anthrax has been recognized since the 1700s, with references found in ancient texts such as the Bible and Homer’s Iliad. Despite its long history, anthrax remains a significant health threat due to its rapid onset and high mortality rate.
The disease presents variably depending on the infection route. Cutaneous anthrax, the type contracted by the Texas man, manifests initially with raised bumps that evolve into blackened eschar. Inhaled anthrax begins like the flu but can swiftly lead to severe respiratory distress.
The 9/11 attacks saw anthrax serve as a biological weapon, resulting in five deaths and 17 illnesses among Americans. These episodes underscored the importance of preparedness for potential bioterrorism involving such pathogens.
In light of this incident, the broader public is reminded of the subtle, yet still present risks posed by anthrax, reinforcing the need for vigilance when dealing with livestock and meat consumption practices. Routine precautionary measures, such as avoiding consumption of animals that die without known cause, are crucial to preventing similar cases.
In conclusion, a Texas man’s encounter with anthrax, stemming from the handling and consumption of a dead lamb, sheds light on the persistent dangers of this formidable disease. Though he recovered fully, the case reinforces the importance of preventive measures against anthrax exposure, especially in high-risk areas.
Medical professionals urge caution in handling animals that die suddenly, advocating for appropriate management of such situations to mitigate the risk of anthrax transmission and protect public health.
