Anthrax detected in 3 of 11 people tested in Rangpur

Anthrax detected in Rangpur.

Rangpur, Sept 25 — Anthrax has been detected in three people in Pirgachha upazila of Rangpur after samples from 11 people were tested.

The infected people were identified as Sajib Mia, 23, Abdul Mannan, 60, and Mst Swapna Begum, 45, all from Adampur village under Chaola Union of Pirgachha upazila.

Rangpur District Deputy Civil Surgeon Dr Firoz Khan confirmed the matter on Friday.

He said samples from 11 people were collected and sent to the Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research (IEDCR) for testing, and the reports confirmed anthrax in three of them.

All three infected individuals are currently healthy, according to officials.

According to the Pirgachha Upazila Livestock Office, Sajib Mia of Adampur village had bought a cow several months ago and started rearing it.

On August 21, the cow suddenly fell ill. Without informing anyone, he slaughtered the animal and distributed and sold its meat among local people, according to the office.

Eleven people in the area developed symptoms of anthrax after cutting and consuming meat from the cow, officials said.

Pirgachha Upazila Livestock Officer Dr Md Shakil Ahmed said they learned about the slaughter and sale of meat from the sick cow 10 to 15 days later.

Some people had developed blisters on their hands, he said. Later, he and senior officials visited the area and monitored the situation.

“No other cow was found to be infected with anthrax in the area,” he said.

He said all cattle in the area had been brought under vaccination coverage to prevent the spread of the infection.

“There is currently no risk of anthrax, and wounds of most of the patients have dried up,” he said, adding that they were remaining vigilant to prevent anyone from selling meat from sick cattle.

Deputy Civil Surgeon Dr Firoz Khan said an IEDCR team collected samples from 11 people with symptoms on Sept 5 after receiving reports of suspected anthrax cases.

“Anthrax was detected in three of them, while the test results of the others were negative,” he said. - UNB