Jeypore: One person has died and five others affected in Tukum village under Lamataput block in Koraput district after a suspected anthrax outbreak.
Officials said the victims contracted the disease at a feast organised by the tribals of Tukum 10 days ago, where they consumed meat.
While six villagers showed symptoms of anthrax, one Dambu Krisani succumbed. Two more were admitted to the Lamatapur community health centre.
Suspecting more cases, district health officials have started distributing medicines among family members and relatives of the affected persons.
Koraput is the epicentre of anthrax in the state and the disease is usually found in cattle during the beginning of the rainy season. Lamataput, Nandapur, Semiliguda, Dasmantpur, Laxmipur, Narayanpatana and Bandhugam blocks report anthrax cases in animals every year.
