Jakarta, ThedailyID — Four residents in Gunungkidul, Yogyakarta, have tested positive for anthrax after consuming meat from a goat that became weak and died suddenly.
The cases occurred in Dadapayu, Semanu, in early September 2026. Gunungkidul Health Agency head Ismono said the case began when a resident sought treatment after developing symptoms linked to anthrax.
“Initially, a resident went to a community health center and showed clinical symptoms of anthrax,” Ismono said, as quoted by detikHealth on Friday, October 2.
Health officials then identified seven people suspected of having anthrax. All seven had direct contact with the goat before it died.
The seven people underwent PCR tests. Four later tested positive for anthrax.
The Gunungkidul Health Agency then traced other people who had contact with the animal. Officials identified 47 people as being at risk of exposure.
The four confirmed patients received treatment and recovered. Health officials also gave preventive antibiotics to everyone considered at risk.
Officials will continue monitoring the 47 people for 60 days. The period covers twice the reported incubation period.
Ismono said the preventive treatment aims to prevent additional cases. Officials also urged residents not to slaughter, process or eat livestock that appears sick or dies suddenly.
Residents should also report unexplained livestock deaths to authorities as soon as possible.
According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), anthrax is a serious disease caused by the bacterium Bacillus anthracis. The bacteria occur naturally in soil and can infect livestock and wild animals.
People can become infected after exposure to anthrax spores from infected animals or contaminated animal products. Infection can occur through skin wounds, inhalation or eating contaminated meat.
Symptoms can vary depending on how the infection enters the body. Mayo Clinic lists possible symptoms such as fever, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
Some infections can also cause bloody vomiting or diarrhea. Swelling in the neck and pain when swallowing may occur when the infection affects the upper digestive tract.
Anthrax can cause severe illness and death without prompt treatment. The CDC says all forms of anthrax can become serious or fatal without antibiotics, while early treatment can help prevent the infection from becoming severe.
