The initial cases of anthrax detected in Chuvashia emerged in mid-March, with two identified on March 15 and a third on March 22. On March 15, the republic’s head, Oleg Nikolaev, announced via the Telegram channel that an operational meeting had taken place in the Tsivilsky district following the new infections. He stated that the patients received specialized treatment and that their lives were not in danger. Those who had contact with the sick were healthy, under medical supervision, and receiving preventive therapy.
That same day, the Rosselkhoznadzor press service informed RIA Novosti that an investigation had begun to determine the causes of the outbreak. The prosecutors’ office conducted an inspection while investigators from the district administration joined as experts to examine the circumstances surrounding the case. Officials noted that the affected couple in a rural area kept two bulls and seven sheep, suggesting a possibility that people were exposed through contaminated meat.
On March 16, quarantine restrictions were put in place in Stary Aktashevo to contain the outbreak, with officials directing strict control measures and epizootic monitoring within the private subsidiary’s boundaries.
By March 22, a third person in Chuvashia showed symptoms consistent with anthrax. A purple-violet lesion with serous discharge appeared in the ear of the resident, a finding described by RIA Novosti, citing the Ministry of Health of Chuvashia. Health authorities emphasized that these symptoms were detected during active surveillance of individuals who had contact with the earlier cases.
Reports circulated on Telegram that one of the residents with symptoms had traveled to Moscow for a period of residence before returning home and entering medical supervision upon return.
On March 23, the Investigative Committee of Chuvashia opened a criminal case under the veterinary rules (Article 249 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation) after it was learned that a local resident slaughtered an infected bull for meat on a private farm.
Outbreak developments in the Moscow region
On March 22, the Moscow Region Rospotrebnadzor department announced a suspected anthrax case involving a resident who had traveled to the region from Chuvashia. Officials organized anti-epidemic measures and carried out disinfection in the areas where the individual had stayed. The patient was admitted to a regional healthcare facility for examination and treatment.
Later, Sergiev Posad district authorities reported that a patient with suspected anthrax was admitted to the infectious diseases department of a regional hospital. They cautioned that it was premature to draw conclusions until laboratory results were available.
By March 23, preliminary tests on two suspected cases in the Moscow Region returned negative results. The region’s health ministry stated that both patients remained isolated in a designated hospital isolation unit while awaiting definitive testing.
Understanding what anthrax is
Anthrax is a acute infectious disease primarily transmitted through contact with infected animals or contaminated materials. The culprit is Bacillus anthracis, a dangerous pathogen sometimes discussed in the context of biological threats. In animals, the disease is common, and humans typically become infected through direct contact with sick animals or their products. Human-to-human transmission is not how the disease spreads most often.
Common manifestations include skin lesions, enlarged lymph nodes, and potential systemic involvement if untreated. Untreated skin infections can progress to toxemia in a notable minority of cases, underscoring the importance of timely medical care.
Prevention focuses on vaccination for animals and individuals at occupational risk, plus careful handling of meat and animal byproducts, especially from uncertified sources. In light of recent cases, public health authorities have issued guidance on prevention and monitoring for those at risk of exposure.
Rospotrebnadzor and other health agencies have provided recommendations to curb spread, including proper meat handling, vaccination protocols where applicable, and awareness of symptoms requiring prompt medical evaluation.