Two die of suspected anthrax in Jharkhand

Simdega (Jharkhand): Two persons died of suspected anthrax and 16 other villagers are suffering from symptoms of the disease at Simdega district, a health official said here on Friday.

Civil Surgeon B Trivedi said that one man died on May 4 and another on May 6 following anthrax symptoms, but its confirmation could be made only after pathological tests.

"Sixteen other villagers showed symptoms of the disease," he said.

The villagers said they had consumed animal meat a month back and the symptoms appeared after that, he added.

A release issued by the National Health Mission said the outbreak of the disease occurred at Bandarchuan village in Kolibera block of Simdega district and a medical team visited the area and distributed medicines.

It said directions were issued to create an isolation ward in the nearest hospital and admit the patients.

The health officers advised the villagers not to consume the meat of the dead cattle.