The Centers for Disease Control (hereafter referred to as the CDC) today (the 12th) announced a newly confirmed case of anthrax-like infection. The case is a man in his 50s from the northern region, with a history of diabetes, no recent overseas travel, and began experiencing lower back and abdominal pain in early March. He visited a clinic, but symptoms did not improve after medication. In mid-March, he developed fever and generalized weakness, with symptoms persisting and worsening. He later sought emergency care at a hospital due to difficulty breathing; emergency examination revealed a splenic abscess, and he was admitted to the hospital. By late April his condition improved and he was discharged to recover at home. On April 24, the hospital cultured the patient’s specimen and isolated a suspected anthrax-like bacterial strain, so the hospital reported anthrax and sent the suspected strain for testing. On April 30, the agency’s laboratory confirmed the presence of Bacillus anthracis positive.
According to CDC statistics, the cumulative total of domestic anthrax-like cases this year (2026) is 19 (including one death), higher than the domestic case numbers for the same period from 2022 to 2025 (ranging from 1 to 13), with the main age groups being 65 and older (10 cases) and 50‑64 years (7 cases).
The CDC explains that the pathogen causing anthrax-like disease is found in contaminated soil, ponds, and standing water environments. In addition to transmission through contact, infection may also occur by ingesting contaminated water or through inhalation. High‑risk groups such as individuals with diabetes, lung disease, liver disease, kidney disease, cancer, or compromised immune function have a higher probability of severe illness after infection.
The CDC emphasizes that when the public cleans indoor and outdoor environments, they should wear masks, waterproof gloves, and long‑leg rain boots. After removing equipment, remember to wash hands. Drinking water should be boiled thoroughly, and tap water should be used to wash food and fruit; additionally, if unexplained fever or other symptoms occur, seek medical care promptly and inform the physician about any history of contact with sewage, sludge, animals, or occupational exposure, to enable early diagnosis and treatment.
The CDC continues to monitor all infectious disease outbreaks. Physicians encountering suspected cases should inquire about TOCC, assess and provide appropriate treatment, and promptly report and submit specimens for testing, to facilitate public health authorities in implementing control measures.
Source: Centers for Disease Control
Data compiled: Sensory Management Office
