site.btaMan Dies of Anthrax in Varna

Man Dies of Anthrax  in Varna

Sofia, July 18 (BTA) - A man died in a Varna (on the Black Sea) hospital a few days ago from an anthrax infection. The diagnosis was confirmed on Saturday morning by the National Center of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, the Center's Director Prof. Todor Kantardjiev told BTA.

The man was infected while processing the meat of an infected cow or eating it undercooked. All measures have been taken for limiting the further spread of anthrax. According to Kantardjiev, the meat was sold in three villages near Varna. He explained that only those who have consumed the undercooked meat are at a risk of an anthrax infection. The symptoms are abdominal pain, bloody and watery diarrhea and fever and seeking medical help is urgent if they are experienced, the Professor said.

The Varna Regional Health Inspectorate issued a report, according to which meat from the infected cow was sold and processed into sausages at a butcher shop in Varna.

According to the Health Inspectorate, the cow was slaughtered on July 7 in the village of Mlada Gvadriya, after it got sick. The owner, who later died in hospital, cut his hand while butchering the cow, but did not seek medical help. He was being helped by three others. The carcass was cut into four parts, which were sold to another person from the village of Bozveliysko, where it was processed by three other persons. The processed meat was then transported to Varna, where it was made into sausages in another butcher shop, which the men split among themselves. The shop's owner denied having received the meat or making sausages.


The epidemiological tests revealed that three people from Provadia and 15 from Devnya, Strashimirovo and Varna have consumed meat from the infected cow. Three also had contact with the animal's hide, which was sold to another man in the town of Karnobat, who, however, denied having made such a purchase.

A team has been formed on Saturday and will take samples for microbiological tests from all who were in contact with parts of the infected animal, the health authorities said. Additional preventative measures have been taken and people prescribed antibiotics. All animals from the Mlada Gvardiya village are banned from grazing until vaccinated against anthrax.