The presence of anthrax bacteria has been detected in 11 people across three upazilas of Rangpur. The infection was first identified in Pirgacha upazila before spreading to the neighbouring Kaunia and Mithapukur upazilas.
Of the 11 infected patients, eight are from Pirgacha, two from Kaunia, and one from Mithapukur. Experts from the Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research (IEDCR) confirmed the cases.
On September 13 and 14, the IEDCR team collected samples from 12 individuals in Pirgacha, eight of which tested positive for anthrax. Later, on Wednesday, October 1, two more cases were identified in Kaunia and one in Mithapukur.
The detection of anthrax has sparked fear among local residents. Some have stopped tending to their cattle and goats, while others have refrained from eating beef. As a result, local meat traders have suffered financial losses, and livestock farms are feeling the impact.
According to IEDCR sources, traces of anthrax bacteria were found in frozen beef, while one of the infected individuals had come into contact with goat meat.
Data from the Rangpur Civil Surgeon’s Office show that two people in Pirgacha died in July and September. Although anthrax bacteria were found in their bodies, their deaths were caused by other factors. During the same period, at least 50 people across four unions were infected, with nearly 90 percent recovering fully.
Locals report that over the past two months, more than a hundred cattle have died after showing symptoms of anthrax. Yet, despite an average of 1,500 animals being slaughtered daily across Rangpur city and district, no health inspections are conducted. The entire division has 1,303 markets, but none are equipped with modern slaughterhouses or veterinary surgeons.
Experts explain that humans can contract anthrax through direct contact with the mucus, saliva, blood, meat, bones, or internal organs of infected animals. The disease spreads from animals to humans, classifying it as a zoonotic disease, though it does not transmit from one person to another. The main symptom in humans is the development of ulcers on the skin.
Anthrax is caused by the bacterium Bacillus anthracis, which can survive underground for many years. During the monsoon season, the bacteria resurface and enter the bodies of cattle, goats, buffaloes, or sheep when they graze on contaminated grass. Once inside the animal’s body, the bacteria act swiftly, causing sudden illness and often death.
How Anthrax spreads
The anthrax bacteria primarily spread through infected animals and can also be present in soil. Humans may become infected by consuming contaminated meat or by inhaling the spores. However, anthrax does not spread through human coughs or sneezes. If there is an open wound on the skin, the bacteria can enter through it.
Symptoms of Anthrax
Symptoms depend on how the bacteria enter the body. When contracted by eating contaminated meat, symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, bloody vomit, abdominal pain, headache, loss of appetite, fever, sore throat, or swelling in the neck. Patients may also suffer from bloody diarrhea.
Inhalation anthrax can cause sore throat, muscle pain, fever, and fatigue, along with chest discomfort and shortness of breath. Nausea and coughing up blood are also possible, as well as pain when swallowing, severe fever, inflammation of the brain membrane, and low blood pressure.
When transmitted through the skin, anthrax appears as an insect bite-like swelling or sore accompanied by itching. The center of the sore turns black, and the surrounding area may become swollen.
Experts’ opinions
Experts recommend that meat should always be thoroughly boiled and cooked before consumption. Anyone with cuts or wounds should wear gloves when handling raw meat. Livestock should be routinely vaccinated against anthrax. People should avoid eating, cutting, or handling meat from sick animals.
Professor Dr. Benazir Ahmed, former Director of the Disease Control Division of the Directorate General of Health Services and former Chief Scientific Officer of IEDCR, told Banglanews that anthrax bacteria can survive in soil for a long time. During the rainy season, cattle become infected through contaminated grass. He clarified that humans do not contract anthrax from the environment, but from infected animals. People who handle or cut infected meat are at risk, especially if they have minor cuts or injuries on their hands.
Regarding treatment, he added, “The treatment process for anthrax is quite simple. Ciprofloxacin tablets are effective. Deaths from anthrax in humans are extremely rare. Moreover, since we cook meat for a long time at high temperatures, even if someone eats meat from an infected animal, the risk of infection is minimal. There is no reason for panic, but the health and livestock departments must work together to raise awareness and prevent further spread.”
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