China reports Five human cases of skin anthrax

China confirmed five human cases of cutaneous anthrax on Friday, which is typically found in animals, according to state media.


The cases were discovered after five farm workers had direct contact with diseased animals on a beef cattle farm in Yanggu county, eastern Shandong province.

Those afflicted have “mild symptoms” and are treated and isolated.

Health officials have kept close contacts under careful surveillance.

Cutaneous anthrax is a skin infection caused by the anthrax bacteria. It is one of the most prevalent kinds of anthrax, caused by the Bacillus anthracis bacteria. Infection typically occurs when anthrax spores come into close contact with cuts or abrasions on the skin.

Anthrax is a dangerous disease that typically causes illness if people come into touch with diseased animals or contaminated animal products.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention identify four forms of anthrax.

“Cutaneous anthrax occurs when anthrax spores enter a cut or scape on the skin while handling infected animals or contaminated animal products such as wool, hides, or hair.” According to the CDC’s website, it most commonly affects the head, neck, forearms, and hands.