Anthrax in Kazakhstan: Two villages placed under quarantine
Tengrinews.kz - Two villages in the Atbasar district of the Akmola region have been placed under quarantine due to an outbreak of anthrax, the Minister of Agriculture Aidarbek Saparov confirmed.
What happened
In late June, Health Minister Akmaral Alnazarova reported that several people in the Atbasar district had been infected with anthrax. At the time, four cases were confirmed, and the patients were reported to be in moderate condition. The minister said that they were receiving all necessary medical care and that anti-epidemic measures were underway.
At that point, Alnazarova stated that a quarantine would not be imposed in the district.
Number of infections rises
Today, on July 8, it was reported that a quarantine has now been imposed in Atbasar. According to Aidarbek Saparov, restrictive measures were initially introduced in the villages where anthrax cases were detected. A total of 19 people were tested, and one person is in serious condition.
“No movement of livestock or people — access is completely restricted. We’ve cordoned off the area and installed barriers. The national anti-epizootic team carried out its work, including disinfection, treatment, and disposal. As soon as we received lab test results, we imposed the quarantine on July 1. Of the 19 people involved, one is in serious condition, the rest are moderately ill. All are under observation and are improving. Doctors and the healthcare system are monitoring the situation closely,” Saparov said at a government briefing.
The quarantine will last 15 days. After that, new samples will be taken for testing. If no new cases of anthrax are confirmed, the quarantine will be lifted.
Clarification from the ministry
Later, the ministry clarified that Saparov had misspoken. According to a statement from the press service, 19 people were tested, but only seven cases of anthrax have been confirmed. The remaining 12 tested negative.
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