In a follow-up to an earlier report, health officials in Koraput have announced several new cases of human anthrax. According to a Times of India report, six additional cases were reported on Thursday bring the total to 12.
Apparently, as previously reported, the affected villagers killed a sick cow few days ago and consumed its meat which might have led to the outbreak of the disease. “During our visit we found around 30 villages had consumed the meat of a dead cow. The patients developed abnormal swellings and boils on their body and they have been given medicine by our team,” said district health officer, Koraput, Anand Kumar Padhi.
Health officials are advising villagers not to consume the meat of dead and sick cattle. “Information, education and communication programmes against the disease has been launched. The veterinary department has been asked to vaccinate all the cattle,” Padhi said.
Bacillus anthracis. Anthrax can be found naturally in soil and commonly affects domestic and wild animals around the world. Although it is rare, people can get sick with anthrax if they come in contact with infected animals or contaminated animal products.
