Anthrax outbreak in Rangpur, patients with symptoms in two more upazilas

After Pirgachha in Rangpur, patients with symptoms of anthrax have also been found in Mithapukur and Kaunia upazilas. The government's Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research (IEDCR) has already identified eight anthrax patients in Pirgachha upazila of the district.

According to sources from the District Civil Surgeon's Office, two people died of anthrax in Pirgachha in July and September. At the same time, more than fifty people in four unions of the upazila were infected with the disease. At that time, the Livestock Department tested samples of meat of sick cattle and identified anthrax. Later, a delegation from IEDCR collected samples of 12 men and women from Pirgachha Sadar and Parul unions on September 13 and 14.

IEDCR Director Tahmina Shirin told the media, “We have tested samples of 12 people from Pirgachha. Of them, 8 have been identified as having anthrax.”

Another source from the organization said that anthrax bacteria were also found in beef stored in the refrigerator. In addition, government officials said that one infected person had been in contact with goat meat.

According to information from the Pirgachha Upazila Health Complex, about 30 patients with symptoms of anthrax have received treatment in the outpatient department. In addition, at least 20 more patients are known to have received treatment at different places.

In this regard, Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer Muhammad Tanvir Hasnat told the media, “We have information about 50 patients in total. A few days ago, a medical team went to the affected area. Work is being done to make those affected aware and not panic. 15-20 patients have been met there, 90 percent of whom have recovered.”

Doctors say that humans become infected with the disease when they come into contact with the mucus, saliva, blood, meat, bones or intestines of anthrax-infected cattle. Although it spreads from cattle to humans, it does not spread from human to human. The main symptom of the disease in humans is the formation of sores on the skin. Therefore, experts have advised to strengthen the cattle vaccination programme.

Meanwhile, Rangpur Deputy Civil Surgeon Ruhul Amin told the media, “It is not only Pirgachha, later we found patients with similar symptoms in Kaunia and Mithapukur. Samples of eight more patients have already been sent to the IEDCR. The report is not yet available.”

He also said, “It is being advised not to slaughter sick cattle and not to eat the meat of sick animals. We are seeing new outbreaks. But why is it happening is a matter of research.”

The Deputy Civil Surgeon said that the upazila health complexes have adequate stocks of antibiotics and doctors have been instructed to treat patients properly. However, since the disease is spread from animals, the main responsibility for prevention lies with the livestock department.

District Livestock Officer Abu Said said, “There are more than 1.3 million cows, goats and sheep in the district. Since August 26, 165,000 cattle have been vaccinated against anthrax in Pirgachha, Kaunia, Mithapukur and Rangpur Sadar.”