A suspected Anthrax case was reported at Hindupur town on Friday. Boya Srikanth (15), a Class X student and resident of Manempalli village of Lepakshi mandal, was admitted to the Hindupur government hospital with symptoms of the illness. He is now being treated in an isolated ward.
The boy’s parents had migrated to Chintalapalli village in Gowribidunur district of the neighbouring Karnataka along with their children.
Srikanth attended the government school at Sirivaram village of Lepakshi mandal until a week ago, said the school principal.
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The patient’s father, Boya Narsappa, said his son was taken to Victoria hospital in Bangalore a few days ago for treatment, where they suspected Anthrax.
“He was referred to another hospital in the city (Bangalore), from where they sent us home, saying that he had contracted Anthrax and would not live long. They wanted us to take the child home, as the disease was contagious,” Narsappa added.
But, when they returned to Chintalapalli village, police, who had information about the case, sent them to their native village of Manempalli in Lepakshi mandal.
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On Friday, the Tehsildar and mandal health officials got the boy admitted to the Hindupur government hospital.
Dr. Siva Kumar of the hospital told The Hindu that the case sheets from the two hospitals in Bangalore had not confirmed Anthrax although they expressed apprehensions.
“They suggested that the boy be isolated immediately, as he posed risk to others. We are taking all precautions and have sent samples to the lab,” he said. Meanwhile, the District Collector directed health officials to visit Manempalli village to take stock of the situation.