A man and his son from Sto. Niño, Cagayan are suspected of contracting human anthrax after eating carabao meat.

The man, 53, and his son, 25, were among eight individuals who slaughtered the animal and ate the meat.

Both developed symptoms of anthrax including fever, chills, weakness, and black lesions.

It was reportedly the son who manifested symptoms first on October 8, 2024. Three days later on October 11, his father showed symptoms, prompting them to seek treatment at the Cagayan Valley Medical Center.

Authorities are monitoring the situation closely and have sent samples for confirmation.

Both patients are now in stable condition.

INFECTION

Anthrax is a bacterial infection caused by Bacillus anthracis, which affects livestock, primarily, but can be transmitted to humans through contact with infected animals or contaminated animal products.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), humans can contract anthrax through skin exposure, ingestion, or inhalation of spores, leading to different forms of the disease.

The World Health Organization (WHO) said consuming undercooked meat from infected animals can lead to gastrointestinal anthrax, characterized by symptoms like fever, abdominal pain, and lesions in the digestive tract.