11 people show anthrax symptoms in Sundarganj, 5 admitted to hospital

 PNN News Desk | Gaibandha:

In a village in Sundarganj Upazila, Gaibandha, 11 people have shown symptoms of anthrax after handling the meat of a diseased cow. Five of the affected individuals have been admitted to Gaibandha Hospital, while the others are receiving treatment at home. The incident has caused widespread panic in the area.

The incident occurred in Kishamat Sadar village of Belka Union. Local UP member Hafizar Rahman stated that on September 29, villagers slaughtered a sick cow owned by Mahbub Rahman and processed its meat. A total of 11 people were involved in cutting and handling the meat.

Four days later, on Thursday, October 2, the individuals developed blisters on various parts of their bodies including hands, nose, mouth, and eyes, while the meat started to rot. Among the affected, Md. Moja Mia, Mozzaffar Mia, Md. Shafiqul Islam, and Mahbub Rahman were referred to Gaibandha District Hospital due to the severity of their conditions.

Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer Dibakar Basak confirmed that 4–5 people from Belka Union exhibited anthrax-like symptoms. They received initial treatment and were sent to Gaibandha Hospital for advanced care.

According to the Upazila Livestock Department, the anthrax outbreak has spread from neighboring Pirgacha Upazila to Bamnadanga, Sarbananda, Tarapur, Belka, and municipal areas of Sundarganj. Upazila Veterinary Surgeon Dr. Md. Mozammel Haque reported that two cows in the municipality died from anthrax, and vaccinations have begun in the affected Sahabaz area. Currently, 13,000 doses of vaccine are available, and vaccination campaigns have started in the affected regions.