TULUNGAGUNG – At least six residents of Sidomulyo Village, Pagerwojo District, Tulungagung, are reported to have symptoms of skin disease. They experience a blister-like skin that forms like a circle accompanied by itching whose characteristics are similar to symptoms anthrax.
“Anthrax in (Sub-district) Pagerwojo, the information has spread to humans. There are six residents who are (already) contaminated. Their skin is perforated,” said an anonymous source quoting Antara on Saturday (5/6/2021).
When this information was confirmed to officials from the Tulungagung District Health Office, the Head of Disease Prevention and Control, Didik Eka, did not immediately confirm it on the pretext that the issue was the domain of the leadership’s authority.
He felt he was not entitled to make a statement despite having initial data and information regarding an anthrax outbreak in livestock which was suspected to have been transmitted to the local residents.
“Honestly, I don’t dare to comment. This area is still in the leadership. So if that’s the case, please go directly to Pak Kadin (Head of the Health Service),” said Didik.
However, after learning that the issue of anthrax in cattle in Pagerwojo had been published in the mass media by citing a direct statement from the Regent of Tulungagung Maryoto Birowo, Didik then confirmed the information that six residents had skin diseases whose symptoms were very similar to the characteristics of anthrax.
“If, for example, the Regent’s statement is in animals (livestock), yes, please (please) that is the domain of the Disnak (Animal Animal Husbandry Service), yes. But if it’s human, there are clinical characteristics. But we haven’t got it yet. confirm whether it is anthrax or not,” said Didik later.
He explained that there were six residents who had time for treatment at the Pagerwojo Health Center. All of them came from Sidomulyo Village. When they arrived, there were a number of parts of their skin that were blistered and there seemed to be a ring in the middle that was charred like (color) charcoal. These characteristics in medical science are known as characteristics of anthrax disease, said Didik.
Also Read: 26 Cows in Tulungagung Died Due to Anthrax Virus Attack
“They have been treated, but have not been hospitalized. If it is (the condition) like that, usually the fever has been a few days before,” said Didik.
