Appearing in Yogyakarta, this is a way to prevent anthrax

Recently, dozens of residents in Gunungkidul, Yogyakarta, were rushed to the hospital because they tested positive for anthrax. Anthrax is a disease that is transmitted from infected animals or contaminated animal products. Although rare, anthrax can cause death, so prevention efforts are needed.

How to prevent transmission of anthrax

Source: The Western Producer

Anthrax is caused by a bacterial infection Bacillus anthracis . Transmission usually occurs when you touch, inhale, or eat something from infected farm animals. Although it is easy to spread, anthrax is not transmitted from infected people.

To survive, anthrax bacteria produce spores, which are small cells that are resistant to various disturbances from the surrounding environment. Once in the body, the spores become active bacteria, multiply, spread, and produce toxins.

Anthrax cases are now very rare. However, anthrax is still dangerous because once the disease reappears, transmission occurs very rapidly. This disease also causes severe symptoms and often causes death.

In order to protect yourself from the dangers of anthrax, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the following preventive measures:

1. Perform anthrax vaccination

Vaccination is an effective way to prevent transmission of anthrax. However, until now the anthrax vaccine is not available to the public because the cases are very rare. However, you can still get the anthrax vaccine at the nearest hospital.

Anthrax vaccine is also mandatory for people who are susceptible to infection, such as:

• People who manage farms or own livestock.
• People who process livestock products, especially in areas at high risk of anthrax.
• Veterinarians or people whose work involves animals.
• People who research anthrax bacteria in the laboratory.
• Military personnel serving in high-risk areas for anthrax.

Anthrax vaccination was administered 5 times over a period of 18 months. In addition, people who are at risk also need to get vaccines booster once a year for added protection against infection.

2. Taking antibiotics

Taking antibiotics is a preventative measure for people who have been exposed to anthrax. For example, if you come into contact with farm animals, they die from anthrax.

You will need to get 3 anthrax vaccine in 4 weeks plus antibiotics for 60 days. Antibiotics can be consumed in the form of ciprofloxacin or doxycycline. If you are allergic to the anthrax vaccine, you will only be given antibiotics.

How to prevent the spread of anthrax bacteria in the workplace

Source: SAK Industrial Cleaning

People who work in farms, laboratories, and places that are prone to being contaminated by anthrax bacteria can play an active role in preventing the spread of these bacteria. Here are some steps you can take:

• Ensure that the work environment is well ventilated.
• Do not touch the eyes, nose and mouth while working.
• Wash your hands with soap.
• Wearing long sleeves and trousers.
• Wearing special shoes for work.
• Use eye protection, gloves and an N-95 mask.
• Wash clothes used when working with detergent.
• Keeping the work environment clean.
• Do not bring items from outside the work environment.

Those who work in risky environments also need to take preventive measures so that those closest to them are protected from anthrax. For example, by not bringing things from work and explaining how to prevent this disease.

Cases of anthrax disease today may rarely be heard. However, anthrax may reappear if your environment supports the growth of the bacteria that caused it.

The key to preventing anthrax is keeping the work environment clean and monitoring the health of the surrounding livestock. If you are in a risk group, don't forget to get vaccinated regularly to protect yourself and your family.