[BREAKING] Anthrax: NMA advises Kwara Govt. on precautionary measures

The Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), Kwara Chapter on Thursday advised the Kwara government to take precautionary measures to prevent outbreak of Anthrax.

Dr. Mubarak Ijaiya, the Secretary of Kwara-NMA gave the advice in Ilorin while speaking with the newsmen.

The warning comes as the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development had earlier confirmed an outbreak of Anthrax on a farm in Zamfara State.

Ijaiya called on the government to step up vaccinations for animals, increase awareness campaigns, and educate the public on precautions to prevent the outbreak.

He described Anthrax as an infection caused by the spore-forming bacteria called Bacillus anthracis and it is deadly.

According to him, anthrax is a zoonotic disease that can be transmitted from animals to humans, typically affecting ruminants like cows, sheep, and goats.

Ijaiya explained that the bacteria produce extremely potent toxins that after symptoms appear, causing a high lethality rate.

“Humans can catch the disease from infected animals through contaminated animal products,
as well as through  ingestion, inhalation, and skin abrasions,” he said.

The NMA secretary explained further that the prevalence of Anthrax varies by location and population, and can be affected by factors like vaccination rates, animal density, and handling practices.

“The association has commenced an enlightenment campaign on healthcare workers, the public, and other relevant stakeholders on the need to take standard precautions,” he said.

He emphasised the need for all necessary preventive measures which include primordial, primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention.