Rangpur: The patients diagnosed with anthrax symptoms in three upazilas of the district have already recovered, bringing the situation under control in Rangpur and its adjoining areas.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Rangpur District Livestock Officer Dr. Md. Abu Sayeed reported that the first case of anthrax symptoms was identified in April in Pirgachha upazila. The patient, who had slaughtered an anthrax-infected cow, contracted the disease through a cut on his finger. Anthrax, which causes sores on human skin, is transmitted from cattle to humans but not from human to human.
Following the initial case, several cows with anthrax symptoms were slaughtered in Pirgachha, with the infected meat being consumed, sold, and stored by locals. This led to further infections among residents of four unions in Pirgachha upazila, prompting hospitalizations at the Pirgachha Upazila Health Complex.
In response, an anthrax vaccination campaign was launched in August, vaccinating 1.70 lakh cows across Rangpur’s Pirgachha, Kawnia, Mithapukur, and Sadar upazilas. The campaign is also ongoing in Kurigram’s Chilmari, Rajarhat, and Ulipur upazilas, as well as Gaibandha’s Sundarganj upazila.
A five-member team from the Epidemiology Unit of the Department of Livestock Services (DLS) conducted site visits in September, collecting and testing refrigerated meat samples, five of which tested positive for anthrax. The District Civil Surgeon Office also played a role in controlling the situation by testing samples and identifying cases.
The Institute of Epidemiology Disease Control and Research (IEDCR) identified eight anthrax patients after testing samples from Pirgachha. Additionally, samples from eight more patients in Kawnia and Mithapukur upazilas have been sent for testing, with results pending.
Dr. Md. Tanvir Hasnat, the Pirgachha Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer, confirmed that 30 patients received treatment and recovered. Deputy Civil Surgeon Dr. Md. Ruhul Amin advised against the slaughter of sick cattle and emphasized the availability of antibiotics at Upazila Health Complexes to ensure proper treatment.