Visakhapatnam: Five patients continue to be treated in the isolation ward in the dermatology department of King George Hospital (KGH). Though test results are yet to come, from the symptoms, doctors more or less confirm these to be cases of cutaneous anthrax.On Monday, KGH superintendent Dr G Arjuna and Vizag district medical and health officer Dr Uma Sundari visited the patients in the dermatology ward. The health and ITDA officials in Araku Valley mandal are also enquiring and screening people in vulnerable areas as well as the family members of the five patients but so far no further case has been detected.On Saturday night, five male persons from Kodipunjuvalasa of Araku Valley mandal was brought to the hospital as suspected anthrax cases. The patients include K Krishna (60 years), J Sommana (45 years), J Gundu (50 years), P Gundu (38 years) and G Mangalayya (33 years). Anthrax cases are reported almost every year from the Agency areas.KGH civil surgeon resident medical officer Dr KSLG Sastry said, "The patients have developed ulcers and pustules on skin and their symptoms are akin to cutaneous anthrax. So antibiotics are being administered and treatment for cutaneous anthrax is being given to them. This is a treatable disease and there is no risk to lives. Their lab test reports are expected by tomorrow.""The admitted patients had consumed goat meat around three weeks ago. Anthrax was suspected by the health officials when they visited a medical camp held in Araku Valley on Thursday. It is possible that the meat was not properly cooked and the goat was infected with bacillus bacteria. When the grazing cattle eats grass, they may swallow the spores and get infected. Sometimes, if the villagers have a cut or abrasion on the skin and come in contact with the flesh of the infected cattle, then they too get infected by anthrax," said Dr Sastry.

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