Anthrax alarm up in Abra

BANGUED, Abra, Philippines – Provincial health officials have expressed alarm after 23 residents in Lagangilang town have shown symptoms of anthrax, a bacterial disease that affects livestock that can be transmitted to humans through contaminated meat.

Dr. Amelita Pangilinan, Cordillera Local Health Support division chief, said the patients from three villages were found to have skin wounds, body itchiness, headache and stomachache, dry cough, and sore throat and had difficulty breathing. Their saliva samples were sent to Manila for tests.