While the Odisha government has intensified efforts to contain the suspected outbreak of anthrax in a village of Angul district here, health officials are facing stiff resistance from the affected people over hospitalising them for treatment.
Around 16 persons from Suleipal village were rushed to the SCB Medical College and Hospital here on Tuesday and over 10 more have been detected with signs and symptoms of the infection. However, they were not ready to be taken to the hospital, despite coaxing from the health officials.
“The officials are faced with strong resistance from the affected people, who termed the wounds minor and said did not require treatment. While the officials tried to prevail over them, many of them fled the village. We are, however, trying to explain the dangers (the disease could cause) and admit the afflicted to the hospital”, ADMO (Medical) Dr Ganesh Das said.
The district administration, along with the State Health Department and Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services (AHVS) Department, has launched a comprehensive screening of both the human and animal population in the region. A ring zone has been formed, covering all habitations along a 10-km radius of the affected Suleipal village.
“Ring vaccination of all livestock across the 10-km radius has commenced. The situation is being constantly monitored,” sources said.