Berhampur, June 12: At least 10 people of Guchhuka village under Tumudibandha block in Kandhamal district are suffering from anthrax.

Seven people have been admitted to M.K.C.G. Medical College and Hospital here. All the affected people are said to have consumed meat of a dead goat.

As anthrax is a contagious disease, the hospital staff have taken measures to tackle the infection.

“We have admitted them in a secluded room in the diarrhoea ward to contain the disease further,” said a doctor.

Seven patients are Rulka Majhi, Laxmidhar Majhi, Gudguda Majhi, Raghunath Majhi, Malendra Majhi, Dikta Majhi and Prava Bada Majhi. All of them were admitted to the hospital on Saturday.

“They have developed severe skin blisters and high fever since Saturday. The condition of Rulka Majhi is stated to be serious,” said hospital sources.

“Two medical teams from Phulbani and Tumudibandha have been sent to Guchhuka and the entire village has been sanitised,” said Dr. Nrusingha Charan Behera, chief district medical officer (CDMO), Kandhamal.

Behera along with Dr. Aswini Das, medical officer of the Tumudibandha community health centre and others have also visited the affected village.

The medical team had found dried beef from some houses, sources said. Apart from collecting blood samples of all the villagers, the team has examined their health as well.

Behera said the people were affected by anthrax following the intake of cattle meat.

“Anthrax is a major public health concern and we must make an awareness campaign and good hygienic practices before consuming such foods,” Behera said.