What type of infectious disease is pulmonary anthrax?
Under normal circumstances, pulmonary anthrax is classified as a Category B infectious disease. Pulmonary anthrax is a zoonotic infectious disease caused by Bacillus anthracis and is categorized as a Category B infectious disease under the "Law of the People's Republic of China on the Prevention and Treatment of Infectious Diseases." Specific details are as follows:
The primary source of infection for pulmonary anthrax is infected animals, making it a zoonotic disease. The main reservoirs are herbivorous animals, particularly cattle, horses, and sheep. Transmission primarily occurs through direct or indirect contact with infected livestock or their products, or by consuming meat from infected animals. Clinically, cutaneous anthrax is most common, characterized by local skin necrosis and a distinctive black eschar.
According to the "Law of the People's Republic of China on the Prevention and Treatment of Infectious Diseases," pulmonary anthrax is classified as a Category B infectious disease but is managed with the same strict protocols as Category A diseases due to its high infectivity and potential for human-to-human transmission. To minimize risks, confirmed cases of pulmonary anthrax must be reported to the relevant authorities within 2 hours. If anthrax affects the skin or gastrointestinal tract, reporting should occur within 24 hours, accompanied by appropriate isolation measures.
If patients develop any symptoms, they are advised to seek prompt medical attention at a hospital to avoid delays in diagnosis and treatment.