KORAPUT: Three persons were affected by anthrax in Satasemala village under Nandapur block of the district on Saturday.
The affected tribals are Bulu Pangi, Sadhuram Krisani and Padman Gudia of the same village. One of them was admitted to Koraput hospital in a critical condition.
A local health team detected the disease two days back and reported to Nandapur Community Health Centre. A medical team, which was rushed to the affected village, confirmed the disease after blood test.
The team also distributed preventive medicines among 200 villagers. The condition of the affected persons is stable now, said Koraput Additional District Medical Officer (ADMO) Bijoy Mohapatra.
Sources said a large number of cattle had died in the village a few days back. Some of the villagers had consumed meat of the dead animals and were affected by the disease.
It may be noted that seven tribals were affected by the disease in Nandapur block and five in Lamataput block in past couple of weeks.
Despite awareness campaign by district authorities against consumption of meat of diseased cattle, there has been little change in attitude of the tribals.