ABSTRACT
Objective:To analyze the causes and epidemiological characteristics of an outbreak of cutaneous anthrax in Huanan County of Jiamusi City, Heilongjiang Province, so as to provide scientific basis for prevention and control of anthrax.Methods:According to the "Anthrax Epidemiological Case Investigation Form", the field epidemiological investigation was used to investigate the anthrax cases reported in the disease surveillance information report management system (including epidemiological contact history and close contact information); the wound secretion and blood sample anthrax case of and tissue samples of diseased cattle were collected for laboratory testing ( Bacillus anthracis smear microscopy, bacterial isolation and culture, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay). Results:A total of 8 cases of cutaneous anthrax were reported in this epidemic, including 6 clinically diagnosed cases and 2 confirmed cases (1 death), all of whom were farmers. The diseased cattle tissue samples were examined by smear microscopy and bacterial isolation and culture testing, and were identified as bovine anthrax, the source of the epidemic was determined to be dead cattle; the mode of transmission was mainly direct contact infection. A total of 228 people were in contact with the epidemic, 19 directly involved in peeling and segmentation, and 11 in transportation and loading and unloading, all of which were included as the key observation subjects; 198 people who had the behaviors of buying, processing, eating and storage were all included as the general observation subjects.Conclusions:Slaughtering and contacting infected cattle by key occupational groups are the main reasons for the epidemic. Health education should be strengthened for key populations in rural aquaculture industry to prevent and control the occurrence of anthrax.