Imran Pambudi, the Director of Disease Prevention and Control at the Ministry of Health, stated during a virtual press conference that the cases began with several livestock deaths in the area between May and June 2023.
Several cows and goats owned by a resident were reported dead from May 18 to June 2. The dead cows were then butchered, and the meat was distributed to the residents for consumption.
"This is the cause of the anthrax cases," said Pambudi.
One of the victims, a 72-year-old resident of Candirejo Semanu, Gunung Kidul, participated in the butchering of the dead cow on May 22, 2023.
Subsequently, he fell ill and was admitted to Pati Rahayu Hospital after experiencing itching, swelling, and skin lesions.
On June 3, 2023, he was referred to RSUP Sardjito for blood sampling and was diagnosed as a suspected anthrax case. The following day, he passed away.
Pambudi stated that anthrax cases are often found in Yogyakarta. In 2019, there were 31 recorded cases, and in 2022, there were 23 cases. Deaths related to anthrax have not been reported until now.
"The other two victims were unable to have their blood samples examined because they died immediately," he said.
The investigation team of the anthrax cases in Yogyakarta has confirmed that both victims had a history of contact with anthrax-positive cows, he added.
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Translator: Andi Firdaus, Resinta S
Editor: Anton Santoso
Copyright © ANTARA 2023
