The Ondo state government has said suspected cases of anthrax in the state turned out negative.

Banji  Ajaka, commissioner for health in the state, revealed this during a weekly emergency operation centre (EOC), meeting held in Akure, the state capital.

Mr Ajaka, who said the meeting was to provide an update on the status of anthrax and diphtheria in the state, noted that the ministry was not leaving any chances behind.

He disclosed that the health ministry was collaborating with the veterinary department in the ministry of agriculture to conduct active surveillance of the diseases.

“Although suspected cases had been reported, all tests carried out came back negative,” Mr Ajaka added in a statement released by Bisi Lawani, the spokesman for the ministry on Thursday.

He urged health workers in the state to remain vigilant and maintain high suspicion levels when treating patients.

“To prevent any possible outbreak  in the state citizens, especially livestock, farmers have been advised to report promptly any illnesses or deaths occurring on their farms while also cautioning them against coming in contact with sick or dead animals around this period.”

Mr Ajaka stressed that the ministry was actively conducting surveillance through disease surveillance officers (DSMO) stationed across all 18 local government areas of the state.

According to him, active surveillance would continue until measures are put in place to curtail bacterial infections caused by anthrax and diphtheria.

He, however, advised residents of the state to cooperate with health officials and also report any suspicious cases immediately.

“It is important to note that Anthrax infection can occur as skin, lungs, intestinal or injection forms; symptom onset usually begins between one day and more than two months after contracting an infection.

“Therefore, it is imperative for everyone to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to avoid any potential outbreaks,” he added further in the statement.