Close on the heels of reports of two suspected SARS cases from Kerala, an equal number of unconfirmed anthrax cases have been reported from the state, claimed an official release.

The release said two persons hailing from Panachikad in Kottayam district were admitted to Kottayam Medical College Hospital with suspected symptoms of anthrax infection.

An expert medical team would examine and study the disease and strengthen preventive measures, the release said.

The government has stepped up preventive measures against SARS in the wake of two persons with suspected SARS symptoms being admitted for observation at a hospital in Thiruvananthapuram and at Kochi.

Separate wards have been arranged in the state's medical colleges and district hospitals for SARS cases.

Expert medical teams to monitor the disease have been posted at the three international airports in the state and ambulance facility arranged for SARS patients, Health Service director, Dr V K Rajan, said in the release.