RAYAGADA: Anthrax has claimed at least four lives in the last seven days in Jamuguda village under Kashipur block of the district. The victims have been identified as Dashu Majhi (42), Salai Majhi (52), Loi Majhi (61) and Lacha Majhi (50). While three villagers died in the past one week, Lacha died on Friday.
A medical team from Kashipur Community Health Centre (CHC) visited the village on Sunday.
The health officials administered medicines to more than 60 affected villagers and family members of the deceased.
Meanwhile, three villagers __ Rupa Majhi, Dulabha Majhi and Banu Majhi __ were admitted to District Headquarters Hospital (DHH). Shanti Bhusan Pathi, in-charge of Kashipur CHC, said the villagers had consumed beef fifteen days back.
Chief District Medical Officer (CDMO) Anand Padhi said blood samples of the affected persons have been sent for laboratory test. The disease has not spread to neighbouring villages yet and the condition of the affected persons are stable.
Anthrax is a serious bacterial disease of sheep and cattle, typically affecting the skin and lungs. It can be transmitted to humans, causing severe skin ulceration or a form of pneumonia.