Daily Current Affairs : 14-December-2023

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has recently sounded the alarm regarding a substantial anthrax outbreak in five countries across East and southern Africa. This infectious disease, caused by the gram-positive, rod-shaped bacteria Bacillus anthracis, has raised significant concerns due to its impact on both human and animal populations.

Understanding Anthrax

Anthrax, a severe infectious disease, is naturally present in soil and commonly affects domestic and wild animals worldwide. The primary mode of transmission to humans occurs through contact with infected animals or contaminated animal products. While animal-to-animal and human-to-human transmission is uncommon, rare instances of person-to-person transmission have been reported, particularly with cutaneous anthrax.

Symptoms and Diagnosis

The symptoms of anthrax range from fever, nausea, and vomiting to more severe manifestations such as dyspnea, respiratory failure, and hemodynamic collapse. Prompt diagnosis is crucial, and healthcare professionals typically identify Bacillus anthracis in blood, skin lesions, or respiratory secretions through laboratory culture, PCR, or ELISA tests.

Treatment and Prevention

Fortunately, most anthrax infections can be cured with antibiotic treatment. In severe cases, additional measures such as continuous fluid drainage and mechanical ventilation may be necessary. Vaccines are also available for both livestock and humans, providing a crucial preventive measure against the spread of the disease.

Important Points:
  • Anthrax Outbreak in East and Southern Africa
    • WHO reports a significant anthrax outbreak in five countries.
  • Understanding Anthrax
    • Caused by Bacillus anthracis, a gram-positive, rod-shaped bacteria.
    • Naturally present in soil, affecting domestic and wild animals globally.
    • Transmission to humans occurs through contact with infected animals or contaminated products.
  • Symptoms and Diagnosis
    • Symptoms range from fever, nausea, and vomiting to respiratory failure and hemodynamic collapse.
    • Diagnosis involves identifying Bacillus anthracis through laboratory culture, PCR, or ELISA tests.
  • Treatment and Prevention
    • Antibiotic treatment is effective in curing most anthrax infections.
    • Severe cases may require additional measures like continuous fluid drainage and mechanical ventilation.
    • Vaccines available for both livestock and humans serve as crucial preventive measures.
  • Global Health Concern
    • Urgent collaboration needed among global health organizations, governments, and healthcare systems.
    • Swift and coordinated efforts in diagnosis, treatment, and prevention are crucial.
Why In News

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has reported a significant anthrax outbreak in five countries in East and southern Africa, emphasizing the urgent need for international collaboration and support to contain the spread of the disease and mitigate its impact on public health.

MCQs about Anthrax Challenge in East and Southern Africa

  1. What is the primary mode of transmission of anthrax to humans?
    A. Airborne transmission
    B. Person-to-person transmission
    C. Contact with infected animals or contaminated products
    D. Waterborne transmission
    Correct Answer: C. Contact with infected animals or contaminated products
    Explanation: Anthrax primarily spreads to humans through contact with infected animals or contaminated animal products. Airborne and waterborne transmissions are not common routes for anthrax.
  2. What are the common symptoms of anthrax in humans?
    A. Headaches and joint pain
    B. Fever, nausea, and vomiting
    C. Skin rash and itching
    D. Gastrointestinal bleeding
    Correct Answer: B. Fever, nausea, and vomiting
    Explanation: Anthrax symptoms in humans include fever, nausea, and vomiting. While headaches and joint pain can occur in some cases, skin rash and gastrointestinal bleeding are not typical symptoms.
  3. How can anthrax be diagnosed?
    A. X-ray imaging
    B. Identifying Bacillus anthracis through laboratory culture, PCR, or ELISA tests
    C. Blood pressure measurement
    D. Urine analysis
    Correct Answer: B. Identifying Bacillus anthracis through laboratory culture, PCR, or ELISA tests
    Explanation: Anthrax is diagnosed by identifying Bacillus anthracis in blood, skin lesions, or respiratory secretions through laboratory culture, PCR, or ELISA tests. X-ray imaging and urine analysis are not commonly used for anthrax diagnosis.
  4. What is a crucial preventive measure against anthrax?
    A. Avoiding crowded places
    B. Antibiotic treatment
    C. Continuous fluid drainage
    D. Vaccination for both livestock and humans
    Correct Answer: D. Vaccination for both livestock and humans
    Explanation: Vaccination for both livestock and humans is a crucial preventive measure against anthrax. While antibiotic treatment is effective for curing infections, continuous fluid drainage is a treatment measure, not a preventive one. Avoiding crowded places is not directly related to anthrax prevention.

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