One killed, 73 people taken to hospital over suspicions of anthrax in Turkey’s north

TRABZON

One person was killed and 73 people were taken to hospital over suspicions they were infected with anthrax in the Black Sea province of Trabzon on Feb. 10. One person was killed and 73 people were taken to hospital over suspicions they were infected with anthrax in the Black Sea province of Trabzon on Feb. 10.

The incident occurred in Trabzon’s Akçabat district.

A cow had been diagnosed with anthrax in Akçabat last week during a medical check-up and samples were sent to Ankara for a detailed examination.

But the cow’s owner reportedly butchered the infected cow and distributed its meat to his neighbors.

Some 73 locals were rushed to the Karadeniz Technical University Hospital when they showed symptoms of fatigue and nausea after eating the cattle’s meat.

On Feb. 9, Fatma Çakır, a 39-year-old woman, died in hospital. Officials also said they found traces of anthrax on three other people.

The Trabzon Governor’s Office said an investigation was launched into the incident.

“All the necessary measures have been taken by our relevant institutions. Some of our citizens consumed the meat and fell ill,” the governor’s office said in a statement.

Akçabat district governor, Soner Şenel, said the samples of the meat that had been distributed to the locals are currently being examined in laboratories.

Meanwhile, Ağaçlı neighborhood head, Yüksel Altın, said they have not yet imposed a quarantine.

“Nothing is clear yet. There are suspicions that there could be anthrax infection. The results of the lab examinations have not come out yet. A few days ago, Fatma Çakır died. The hospital has reported that she died of anthrax. We have identified those who ate the meat and gave a list of their names to authorities. Many people have been admitted to the hospital in the evening,” he added.