Mayor of Hackney Jules Pipe said: "A Hackney resident is being treated in hospital for inhalation anthrax. This is an extremely rare case and this type of anthrax cannot be passed from person to person.

Hackney Council is working very closely with the Health Protection Agency (HPA) and City and Hackney Primary Care Trust.

The patient concerned makes drums using animal skins for a living. It is through making these drums that exposure to and inhalation of anthrax spores on an imported animal hide occurred.

Residents who live in the same building as the patient’s work studio are being informed and reassured that they are not at any risk of infection."

For further information, visit the Health Protection Agency website HPAQandA or call NHS Direct on 0845 4647.