Five people from Kodigunjuvalasa of Araku Valley mandal in Visakhapatnam, suspected to be suffering from anthrax, were admitted to King George Hospital (KGH) on Saturday night.
Anthrax is a severe illness caused by Bacillus anthracis bacteria.
Showing several symptoms of the disease, the victims- K. Krishna (60), J. Somanna (45), G. Mangalayya (33), J. Gundu (50) and P. Gundu (38) have been shifted to the dermatology department of the hospital.
Superintendent of KGH Dr Arjuna told The Hans India that the condition of the patients is stable but the hospital is yet to confirm them as anthrax patients. However, the samples have been sent to labs in Gwalior for testing.
“These are suspected cases, confirmatory tests have been done and we are awaiting the reports from the microbiology lab of Andhra Medical College (AMC). Antibiotics and required treatment are being administered,” KGH Civil Surgeon Resident Medical Officer (CSRMO) Dr KSLG Sastry told the Times of India.
It was reported that Anthrax cases are reported from Agency areas like Chintapalli, Munchingput and Araku almost every year.
Soon after the suspected anthrax disease came to light, the medical and health authorities have been alerted to organise special camps at all vulnerable areas in the agency.
According to reports, to provide medical facilities, the primary health centres also have been alerted to move into the tribal hamlets.
Anthrax can be found naturally in soil and commonly affects domestic and wild animals around the world. The disease can result in pneumonia, blood infection, and death.
It affects animals like cattle, sheep, and goats more often than people.
Though anthrax is not contagious, which means you can’t catch it like the cold or flu, the disease can reportedly cause severe illness in both humans and animals.
The disease can be cured mostly by antibiotics if it is diagnosed early.