Health officials have confirmed a case of gastrointestinal anthrax found in a New Hampshire woman who recently attended an African drumming circle event.  Dr. Jose Montero, director of the state public health, said that the woman who belongs to Strafford County became ill in early December and was in critical condition on Saturday.

Authorities have advised other owners of the African drums to get their drums tested for the naturally occurring spores.

Anthrax is lethal disease caused by bacteria. The inhalation of anthrax affects lungs, while infection from the natural sources such as consuming contaminated meat causes gastrointestinal anthrax which affects digestive tract. Anthrax also causes skin infection.

Speaking on the issue, the CDC said, “The intestinal disease form of anthrax may follow the consumption of contaminated meat and is characterized by an acute inflammation of the intestinal tract.”

Figures show that intestinal anthrax results into death in 25-60 per cent of cases.