Dr. Gibson Mhlanga, the provincial medical directors, said health officials were working closely with officials from the Veterinary Services Department to contain the outbreak.

"Two people have died since the outbreak last week and more continue to be infected," he said.

Mhlanga said most of those who contracted anthrax in the area consumed the meat of infected animals.

Other officials said 23 head of cattle had died of the disease in the district. They said they would immediately begin vaccinating other animals.

"There is a high risk of more people contracting anthrax after eating meat from animals particularly cattle that die of the disease during this festive period," one official said.