Armenia health ministry officials reported three additional human cutaneous anthrax cases in the village of Geghhovit, Gegharkunik Province, bringing the total cases to eight.
Cutaneous anthrax lesion /CDC
All the patients are receiving treatment, the ministry said.
The Food Safety Inspectorate has reported the outbreak has been linked to a single unvaccinated, diseased cow. It is reported that residents had helped a villager butcher the cow.
The other livestock in the village is under supervision.
Anthrax is a serious infectious disease caused by gram-positive, rod-shaped bacteria known as Bacillus anthracis. Anthrax can be found naturally in soil and commonly affects domestic and wild animals around the world. Although it is rare, people can get sick with anthrax if they come in contact with infected animals or contaminated animal products
Cutaneous anthrax occurs when the spore (or possibly the bacterium) enters a cut or abrasion on the skin. It starts out as a raised bump that looks like an insect bite. It then develops into a blackened lesion called an eschar that may form a scab. Lymph glands in the area may swell plus edema may be present. This form of anthrax responds well to antibiotics. If untreated, deaths can occur if the infection goes systemic. 95% of cases of anthrax are cutaneous.