Two suspected anthrax cases in King George Hospital

VISAKHAPATNAM: Anthrax made a comeback in the tribal areas of Visakhapatnam district. Two persons from Godugumamidi village in Chintapalle mandal of Visakhapatnam agency were admitted to King George Hospital here for suspected skin lesions of anthrax on hands on Monday morning.

According to an inquiry by the officials of district Health & Medical department, the villagers have slaughtered and skinned a dead cow. Further, the meat was consumed by the entire village. The district administration then deputed the Animal Husbandry staff to Godugumamidi village.

The staff interacted with the villagers and on enquiry it was found that the cow was suspected to have died of snake-bite about 10 days back. Teams were formed and anthrax vaccination was administered to the people in the village and also in seven adjacent villages in about 10-km radius. Teams are being deputed to conduct vaccination in three more surrounding village.