Latest news with #Bacillusanthracis
Korea Herald
07-07-2025
- Health
- Korea Herald
S. Korea develops world's 1st recombinant anthrax vaccine
South Korea has developed the world's first recombinant protein-based anthrax vaccine, a major step toward self-sufficiency that could also open export markets for the new vaccine with fewer side effects, the government said. The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency partnered with private firm GC Biopharma Corp. to develop the vaccine that, unlike conventional versions, eliminates the risk of exposure to toxins produced by Bacillus anthracis, a high-risk pathogen considered a potential bioterrorism agent. The new vaccine, Barythrax inj., received regulatory approval from the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety in April. The approval allows South Korea to produce its own supply for the first time, ending its reliance on imports, the KDCA said at a press conference held last week. "As demonstrated during the COVID-19 pandemic, infectious diseases can spread rapidly and cause massive damage in a short period of time. This underscores the importance of securing proactive response capabilities at the national level," said Kim Gab-jung, director general of the KDCA's department of disease diagnosis and analysis. Kim said the achievement would help reduce vaccine import costs and enable faster, more stable responses in the event of national emergencies such as bioterrorism. "Beyond infectious disease preparedness, the vaccine's development represents a major contribution to strengthening the country's overall public health security," the official said. When asked whether tensions with North Korea factored into the vaccine's development, she said it was not specifically aimed at a potential attack from the North, but rather designed for national public health crisis preparedness. "But one thing is clear: more thorough preparedness is required, as South Korea faces a different geopolitical situation compared to many other countries," she said. Until now, South Korea had relied on imports of Biothrax, the US-made anthrax vaccine produced by Emergent BioSolutions Inc. Regarding future stockpiles, the official said, "All newly secured doses will come from domestic vaccines, although specific plans cannot be disclosed at this stage." On top of domestic stockpiling, the KDCA and GC Biopharma expect some overseas demand for Barythrax from countries without the capability to produce their own anthrax vaccines. Demand is expected to rise globally, as anthrax remains a public health concern -- particularly in regions experiencing recent outbreaks. In 2023, Zambia reported more than 600 cases, while Uganda confirmed 251 in 2024. Laos, Thailand and the Democratic Republic of the Congo have also reported fatalities in recent years. "To replace existing anthrax vaccine products on the market, we will focus on further improving product competitiveness and strengthening marketing activities to export Barythrax," said Lee Jae-woo, chief development officer at GC Biopharma's Development Division. He added that the anthrax vaccine is part of GC Biopharma's social contribution efforts, noting that the company has earned significant profits from its varicella and influenza vaccines, its major revenue drivers. The KDCA began basic research on anthrax vaccines in 1997, and GC Biopharma, formerly Green Cross, joined the development effort in 2002. Together, they invested a combined 30 billion won ($22 million) in the project. Unlike traditional anthrax vaccines, Barythrax uses a non-toxin-producing strain of Bacillus brevis to produce only the protective antigen, the key to immunity. This method significantly reduces exposure to toxins and side effects, making the vaccine safer and more cost-effective than existing options. No anthrax cases have been reported in South Korea since it was designated a notifiable disease in 2000. GC Biopharma primarily exports varicella and influenza vaccines, as well as specialty drugs, such as Aliglo for treating immunodeficiency and Hunterase for treating hemophilia. The company's sales rose 3.3 percent on-year to 1.68 trillion won last year, with exports accounting for 380 billion won, or 23 percent of the annual revenue. (Yonhap)
The Irish Sun
05-06-2025
- Health
- The Irish Sun
Major anthrax outbreak at holiday hotspot after one dead and four hospitalised – and signs of infection to spot
A DEADLY anthrax outbreak has struck Thailand, killing a man and hospitalising four others, health officials say. Authorities are now racing to trace the source of the highly dangerous livestock disease and stop it from spreading. Advertisement 3 Laos in Thailand has been hit by an outbreak of anthrax Credit: Alamy 3 The disease can leave large dark lesions on the skin Credit: Science Photo Library 3 All those infected in Thailand likely caught it through contact with infected cattle or animal products, Credit: Reuters Known for its links to bioterrorism, the spores can lie dormant in soil for decades before infecting humans through cuts or contact with animals. A 53-year-old victim, from Mukdahan near the By April 27, his lymph nodes had swollen and he suffered dizziness and seizures. Advertisement Read more on diseases He sought treatment at Don Tan Hospital but died on April 30, just three days after first getting help, Lab tests confirmed anthrax infection. This is Thailand's first anthrax death in 25 years. The dead man had been exposed after a cow was slaughtered during a religious ceremony, according to early investigations. Advertisement Most read in Health Graphic Warning Exclusive The meat was later distributed and consumed within the village. Four others in the same province also fell ill, all linked to infected cattle or meat. Mystery 'Island of Death' where visitors are BANNED after WW2 experiments Three have recovered, while a fifth case was reported on May 28. Officials have quarantined animals, vaccinated cattle within five kilometres, and disinfected 23 high-risk households. Advertisement Samples from meat, knives, chopping boards, and soil tested positive for anthrax spores. More than 600 people exposed to infected livestock or meat are being monitored. The World Health Organisation (WHO) said local authorities had 'identified and provided post-exposure prophylaxis to all high-risk contacts,' and 'implemented a robust set of control measures.' They added: 'Currently, due to the robust public health measures implemented by Thailand, the risk of international disease spread through animal movement remains low.' Advertisement But they warned of risks to trade and tourism if the outbreak isn't contained. 'Any decisions regarding international travel and trade should be based on a thorough risk assessment and should be proportionate to the actual public health risks involved," they added. No travel advice has been issued by the UK government. In the UK, anthrax is rare but not unheard of. NHS data shows three cases in England during 2023-2024, mostly inhalational anthrax or sepsis linked to drug use rather than cutaneous infections. Advertisement Signs of anthrax infection What is anthrax? Anthrax is caused by a spore-forming bacteria called Bacillus anthracis and typically affects cows, sheep and goats but can also spread to people. The bacteria produce potent toxins which are responsible for the symptoms. The most common form is anthrax of the skin, when spores get into cuts or scratches, leading to black bumpy sores, headaches, muscle aches, fever and vomiting. Gastrointestinal anthrax is caught from eating meat from an infected animal and can lead to severe abdominal pain, vomiting of blood and severe diarrhoea. The rarest and most severe form of human anthrax is when the spores reach the lungs, which can cause severe breathing problems. Inhaled anthrax, if untreated, can have a fatality rate as high as 90 per cent.
Scottish Sun
05-06-2025
- Health
- Scottish Sun
Major anthrax outbreak at holiday hotspot after one dead and four hospitalised – and signs of infection to spot
More than 600 people exposed to infected meat are being monitored BUG ALERT Major anthrax outbreak at holiday hotspot after one dead and four hospitalised – and signs of infection to spot Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A DEADLY anthrax outbreak has struck one of Thailand's top tourist areas, killing a man and hospitalising four others, health officials say. Authorities are now racing to trace the source of the highly dangerous livestock disease and stop it from spreading. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 3 Laos in Thailand has been hit by an outbreak of anthrax Credit: Alamy 3 The disease can leave large dark lesions on the skin Credit: Science Photo Library 3 All those infected in Thailand likely caught it through contact with infected cattle or animal products, Credit: Reuters Anthrax is a serious, life-threatening infection caused by spores of the bacterium Bacillus anthracis. Known for its links to bioterrorism, the spores can lie dormant in soil for decades before infecting humans through cuts or contact with animals. All those infected in Thailand likely caught it through contact with infected cattle or animal products, local health authories have said. The 53-year-old victim, from Mukdahan near the Laos border, died after developing a dark lesion on his hand days after slaughtering a cow on April 24. By April 27, his lymph nodes had swollen and he suffered dizziness and seizures. He sought treatment at Don Tan Hospital but died on April 30, just three days after first getting help, local reports say. Lab tests confirmed anthrax infection. This is Thailand's first anthrax death in 25 years. Four others in the same province also fell ill, all linked to infected cattle or meat. Three have recovered, while a fifth case was reported on May 28. Mystery 'Island of Death' where visitors are BANNED after WW2 experiments Officials have quarantined animals, vaccinated cattle within five kilometres, and disinfected 23 high-risk households. Samples from meat, knives, chopping boards, and soil tested positive for anthrax spores. More than 600 people exposed to infected livestock or meat are being monitored. The World Health Organisation (WHO) said local authorities had 'identified and provided post-exposure prophylaxis to all high-risk contacts,' and 'implemented a robust set of control measures.' They added: 'Currently, due to the robust public health measures implemented by Thailand, the risk of international disease spread through animal movement remains low.' But they warned of risks to trade and tourism if the outbreak isn't contained. 'Any decisions regarding international travel and trade should be based on a thorough risk assessment and should be proportionate to the actual public health risks involved.' No travel advice has been issued by the UK government. In the UK, anthrax is rare but not unheard of. NHS data shows three cases in England during 2023-2024, mostly inhalational anthrax or sepsis linked to drug use rather than cutaneous infections. Thailand's health ministry has urged farmers not to slaughter sick animals and to cook meat thoroughly to prevent further infections.
Daily Record
04-06-2025
- Health
- Daily Record
One dead and three seriously ill in anthrax outbreak as WHO alerted
Thailand has issued a public health warning about the deadly disease after it reported its first anthrax-related fatality in more than three decades Fears of an outbreak of a notoriously fatal disease have escalated after Thailand reported four cases of cutaneous anthrax to the World Health Organisation (WHO), marking the first instances in the country in more than three decades. One person died due to complications from the disease, while three others were hospitalised. This represents the first anthrax-related death in Thailand since 1994. All patients had direct contact with cattle believed to be infected with anthrax. In late May, another patient was linked to the slaughtering of cattle. Disease control measures, including animal quarantine, a vaccination campaign targeting cattle within a five-kilometre radius, public awareness campaigns and enhanced surveillance, were implemented in the affected area, officials say. Anthrax is a potentially deadly disease caused by the spore-forming bacterium Bacillus anthracis. Humans can contract it from infected animals or contaminated animal products, reports the Mirror. The symptoms of anthrax vary depending on the type of infection. Symptoms can appear anywhere from one day to more than two months after exposure to the bacteria that cause anthrax. Without proper treatment, all types of anthrax have the potential to spread throughout the body and cause severe illness and even death. Cutaneous anthrax is the most common form of the disease and infection occurs following direct contact with infected animals, carcasses, animal tissues, parts or products. Symptoms include an itchy, painless papule that develops into a larger vesicle or blister and then into a necrotic ulcer with a black, depressed central crust. If gastrointestinal anthrax is contracted through ingesting contaminated, undercooked meat, individuals may experience nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and potentially diarrhoea. Patient cases have ranged in age from 36 to 58 years old and include three men and one woman, located in Mukdahan Province near the border with Laos. World Health Organisation guidance Treatment: the WHO recommends hospitalisation for all human cases of anthrax, with prophylactic treatment provided to those who may have been exposed to anthrax spores. The health body said: "Anthrax responds well to antibiotics, which need to be prescribed by a medical professional. Always follow medical advice on how to take the antibiotics. "Precisely follow the instructions and do not shorten the course of treatment. Should any side effects of the treatment be noted, please consult a physician at once. Nobody should attempt to use antibiotics or any other drugs to treat or protect themselves without first getting medical advice." The disease: The WHO described anthrax as an infection caused by the spore-forming bacteria known as Bacillus anthracis. It is a zoonotic disease, meaning it can be transmitted from animals to humans, typically affecting livestock such as cows, sheep, and goats. "The bacteria produce extremely potent toxins which are responsible for the symptoms, causing a high lethality rate. Humans can catch the disease from infected animals or through contaminated animal products," the WHO said. The outbreak: This outbreak has been epidemiologically linked to the slaughtering of cows, with the first animal being slaughtered in mid-April and its meat distributed among villagers. A second cow was killed in late April. It was believed that exposure to meat or contact during the slaughtering process of these animals is the source of infection for all confirmed patients. Screening of individuals at risk was conducted across three villages, identifying two suspected cases who had diarrhoea and fever. However, samples were negative for Bacillus anthracis. A total of 636 people were identified as at risk and monitored up to May 10. Among them, 28 people were directly involved in the slaughter of cattle, while others consumed raw beef. Anthrax is endemic in several countries across South East Asia. However, in Thailand, human infections are very rare. Several of the country's public bodies – the Department of Disease Control, the Ministry of Public Health, the Department of Livestock Development and the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives – have put in place measures to control potential disease spread. This includes environmental cleaning and disinfection in 23 high-risk households, identified based on consumption of potentially contaminated meat. Farmers were instructed to report any ill or deceased animals to officials and not to consume raw meat. Samples were collected from knives and cutting boards used by the first patient, as well as from soil at the slaughter site and beef from the slaughtered cows. Earlier this year, one confirmed and 16 suspected anthrax cases were reported in North Kivu Province in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Seven suspected cases were also recorded in the western Kabale district of Uganda.
Daily Mirror
03-06-2025
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Anthrax outbreak: One dead and three hospitalised as WHO alerted
If people don't get proper treatment, all types of anthrax have the potential to spread through the body and cause death Concerns of an outbreak of a notoriously deadly disease have grown after Thailand reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) four instances of cutaneous anthrax - the first in the country in more than 30 years. One individual succumbed to complications from the disease, while the other three were hospitalised. TGhis marks the first anthrax-related fatality in Thailand since 1994. All patients had direct contact with cattle suspected of being infected with anthrax. Towards the end of May, another patient was linked to the slaughtering of cattle. Disease control measures, including animal quarantine, a vaccination campaign targeting cattle within a 5 kilometre radius, public awareness, and enhanced surveillance, were put into action in the affected area. Anthrax is a potentially fatal disease caused by the spore-forming bacterium Bacillus anthracis. Humans can contract it from infected animals or contaminated animal products. The symptoms of anthrax depend on the type of infection. Symptoms show up anywhere from one day to more than two months after a person is exposed to the bacteria that cause anthrax. If they don't get proper treatment, all types of anthrax have the potential to spread through the body and cause severe illness and death. Cutaneous anthrax is the most common form. Infection occurs following direct contact with infected animals, carcasses, animal tissues, parts or products. Symptoms include an itchy, painless papule, which evolves into a larger vesicle or blister and progresses into a necrotic ulcer with a black, depressed central crust. Gastrointestinal anthrax follows ingestion of contaminated, undercooked meat and causes nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and sometimes diarrhoea. The age range of the confirmed patients is 36 to 58 years old. Three are men and one is a woman. Patients were identified in Mukdahan Province, near the border with Lao People's Democratic Republic. ------------------------------ -World Health Organisation advice Treatment: The WHO says hospitalisation is required for all human cases of anthrax. Individuals potentially exposed to anthrax spores may be provided with prophylactic treatment. It adds: "Anthrax responds well to antibiotics, which need to be prescribed by a medical professional. Always follow medical advice on how to take the antibiotics. "Precisely follow the instructions and do not shorten the course of treatment. Should any side effects of the treatment be noted, please consult a physician at once. Nobody should attempt to use antibiotics or any other drugs to treat or protect themselves without first getting medical advice." The disease: The WHO says anthrax is an infection caused by the spore-forming bacteria called Bacillus anthracis. It is a zoonosis , that is a disease transmissible from animals to humans that typically affects animals such as cows, sheep, and goats. It adds: "The bacteria produce extremely potent toxins which are responsible for the symptoms, causing a high lethality rate. Humans can catch the disease from infected animals or through contaminated animal products." ----------------------------------- The outbreak has been linked epidemiologically to the slaughtering of cows. The first cow was slaughtered in mid-April and its meat was distributed among villagers. A second cow was killed in late April. It is believed that exposure to meat or contact during the slaughtering process of these animals is the source of infection for all confirmed patients. Screening of at-risk individuals was conducted across three villages, identifying two suspected cases who had diarrhoea and fever. However, samples were negative for Bacillus anthracis. A total of 636 people were identified as at risk and monitored up to May 10. Among them, 28 people were directly involved in the slaughter of cattle, while others consumed raw beef. Anthrax is endemic in several countries across the South-East Asia region. In Thailand, however, human infections are very rare. The Department of Disease Control, Ministry of Public Health and the Department of Livestock Development, Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, implemented measures to control potential disease spread including environmental cleaning and disinfection in 23 high-risk households, identified based on consumption of potentially contaminated meat. Farmers were told to report any sick or dead animals to officials and not to consume raw meat. Samples were collected from knives and cutting boards used by the first patient, as well as from soil at the slaughter site and beef from the slaughtered cows. Earlier this year, one confirmed and 16 suspected anthrax cases were reported in North Kivu Province in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Seven suspected cases were also recorded in the western Kabale district of Uganda.
