8 anthrax cases detected in Rangpur

Eight people in Pirgacha, Rangpur have been diagnosed with anthrax after their samples were tested at the Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research (IEDCR). 

Dr. Ruhul Amin, Deputy Civil Surgeon of Rangpur, confirmed the information to Jago News via phone on Tuesday night (September 30). He added that, in addition to Pirgacha, patients with similar symptoms have been reported in Kaunia and Mithapukur upazilas. Another eight patient samples have been sent to IEDCR, with test results still pending.

Dr. Amin advised people not to slaughter or consume meat from sick animals and confirmed that adequate antibiotics are available at upazila health complexes for treating anthrax patients. Health complexes have been instructed to provide proper care. Since the disease originates from animals, prevention primarily falls under the Department of Livestock Services.

Sources said that in early August, several sudden deaths of livestock were reported in Pirgacha, prompting swift action from health and livestock authorities. Later, a team from IEDCR visited Pirgacha on September 13 and 14 and collected samples from 12 individuals. Out of these, eight were confirmed to have anthrax.

Dr. Muhammad Tanveer Hasnat Robin, Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer of Pirgacha, said that data on a total of 50 patients has been recorded. To prevent panic among the affected, a medical team recently visited the outbreak area and met with 15–20 patients, 90% of whom have recovered.

Regarding the deaths of two individuals in Pirgacha with anthrax-like symptoms, Dr. Robin said that medical reports reviewed by IEDCR indicate their deaths were not caused by anthrax, although the bacteria were present in their bodies.

Dr. Abu Sayeed, District Livestock Officer of Rangpur, told Jago News that following the detection of anthrax in Pirgacha, vaccination campaigns are ongoing for livestock in all surrounding upazilas, including Rangpur Sadar and Gangachara. Earlier, on September 7 and 8, three individuals in a union of Mithapukur upazila showed symptoms of anthrax after consuming meat stored in a refrigerator and received treatment at the upazila health complex.