3 Anthrax Cases Reported in Odisha’s Koraput: Health Officials

Three persons have been found infected with anthrax in Odisha’s Koraput district, a health department official said today.

The three cases have been reported in the Laxmipur block between Tuesday and Thursday, he said.

Anthrax is a disease caused by the spore-forming bacterium Bacillus anthracis.

“Three persons tested positive for anthrax infection. They have been admitted to the Laxmipur Hospital for treatment. It is suspected that they came in contact with the carcass of an anthrax-infected cow,” Koraput Additional District Medical Officer (Disease Control) Sathya Sai Swarup said.

The official claims that a group of medical professionals has been dispatched to evaluate the situation in the Kutinga village, where the anthrax cases were reported.

Swarup stated that the situation is “now under control” and that there have been no new cases reported. He also mentioned that efforts have been made to inform the villagers about ways to avoid contracting anthrax disease.

“Information, education and communication (IEC) initiatives have been launched in the affected areas. The development is being closely monitored and adequate health officials have been deployed at the village and its surrounding areas to assess the situation for the next few days,” he added.