AKIPRESS.COM - One person was killed and 73 people were hospitalized over suspicions that they might be infected with anthrax in the Black Sea province of Trabzon, Turkey, Turkish media report. 

The incident occurred in Trabzon’s Akçabat district. A cow had been diagnosed with anthrax in Akçabat last week during a medical check-up and samples were sent to Ankara for a detailed examination.  But the cow’s owner reportedly butchered the infected cow and distributed the meat to his neighbors, Hurriyet reported.

Some 73 locals were rushed to the Karadeniz Technical University Hospital with fatigue and nausea after eating the meat.

On Feb. 9,  a 39-year-old woman died in hospital. Officials also said they found traces of anthrax on three other people.  The Trabzon Governor’s Office said an investigation was launched into the incident.