Anthrax outbreak kills two

Anthrax outbreak in Tindongo in the Talensi Nabdam District of the Upper East Region has claimed 2 lives and many others hospitalized.

The Tindongo area, declared by veterinary doctors as anthrax endemic, suffered animal deaths since the first week of June this year.

The Regional Veterinary Officer, Dr A. Thomas told Joy News' Matilda Asante Asiedu although in March animals in the area were vaccinated against the disease, not all the animals were covered.

He explained that the animals that were not vaccinated started dying early this month and people who consumed the dead animals also contracted the disease.

Nine people got seriously ill after eating the carcass, and were immediately admitted to medical treatment but two of them died.

Dr. Thomas said education campaigns are being waged to sensitise the people to desist from preying on dead animals.

Anthrax is a bacterial disease that kills animals suddenly without any physical symptoms.

Human beings who come into contact with animals that die of anthrax also contract the disease.

Story by Malik Abass Daabu/Myjoyonline.com