16 infected with anthrax in Bangladesh
Staff Reporter, Dhaka, July 5, 2018: Sixteen people, including four women, have been infected with anthrax at Khirshin village under Paba sub-district of northwestern Rajshahi district after eating contaminated beef.
Having heard the news of infection on Saturday night, sub-district executive officer Abu Selim Mahmudul Hassan and sub-district livestock officer Shafiqul Alam visited the area and set up a health camp from yesterday.
Quoting the report, they said the infected people had eaten beef of two slaughtered cattle purchased from a market near the Rajshahi city on August 3. Subsequently, all the men and women, who were involved in slaughtering, slicing and handling the meat, were infected with the skin disease. About 10 of them were given treatment at Rajshahi Medical College Hospital (RMCH).
“We are getting anthrax patients in the hospital frequently for the last couple of days,” said Dr Nazmul Huda Sumon, Resident Physician of RMCH, adding that they are now improving after treatment.
He said the skin disease spreads through different modes like direct contact, inoculation and inhalation.
Anthrax is an infectious disease due to a type of bacteria called bacillus anthracis. Infection in humans most often involves the skin, gastrointestinal tract, or lungs, he said. He also said, anthrax commonly affects hoofed animals such as sheep, cattle, and goats, but humans who come into contact with infected animals can also get sick from anthrax. In the past, the people who were most at risk for anthrax included farm workers, veterinarians as well as tannery and wool workers.
An official from Live Stock Department control room said 28 cows and 5 goats have died of anthrax in Sirajganj and Pabna since the outbreak of the disease.
Talking to the reporter, Dr. Mahbubur Rahman, assistant professor of Medicine of RMCH, put emphasis on creating awareness among the mass people about the precautionary measures.
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