Dominican personalities referred to possible cases of anthrax in Haiti

The possible anthrax cases in haiti They have moved various sectors of Dominican society to express their opinion, starting with the president Luis Abinaderwho reiterated that the Dominican Republic remains under constant surveillance to prevent the disease from reaching this side of the island if it is confirmed on Haitian soil.

However, later, the Minister of Public Health, Victor Atallah, clarified that the Dominican Republic is not under alert for possible cases of anthrax in Haiti, but is on the lookout for bacterial infection that affects the skin and compromises hair follicles.

«Any surveillance is not unnecessary, it is important. In addition, We have not raised any alarm. We inform the relevant departments about the possible suspicion (of anthrax) at Haiti. It is a surveillance“We have no confirmed cases. We anticipate suspicions and we are responsible for protecting the health of our country,” the official said.

The Dominican Medical Association urged citizens not to be alarmed by suspected cases of anthrax in Haiti.

«There is no reason to create panic or unnecessary alarm at this time. Go about your normal life,” said Waldo Ariel Suero, president of the doctors’ union.

Suero also instructed the medical population nationwide to be alert and vigilant to prevent the entry into the country of this bacterial infection that affects the skin and compromises hair follicles.

The doctor Jose Rafael Yunenan infectious disease specialist and critical care physician, told Hoy newspaper that the country has had protocols for detection and treatment since 2001. However, he noted that the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has not confirmed any cases of anthrax.

For the president of the Yunén Group, the activated protocols allow for the protection of public health. Authorities are working to implement these protocols and ensure a coordinated and effective response.

Meanwhile, another expert consulted by this newspaper, the infectious disease specialist and former director of the Robert Reid Cabral Hospital, Clemente Terrero, explained that the disease is a soil microorganism that occurs in mammals and that it is “quite old, known even before Jesus.”

Dr. Terrero specified that anthrax, being caused by a microbe that lives in the soil, is a disease that affects animals such as cattle: cows, sheep, pigs, horses… more than people and that humans can contract it through contact with this species, but that it is very difficult for one person to infect another.

In addition to the health measures, in coordination with the Ministry of Defense, border security protocols have been activated to prevent any possible spread of the disease. These measures include: intensified epidemiological surveillance in the border area.

“We will continue to closely monitor the situation and keep the public informed of any relevant updates provided by international organizations,” Public Health stressed.

He also urged the public to stay informed through official channels and not to fall for unfounded alarms.