Anthrax spreads panic in Meherpur

The number of anthrax-infected people is increasing day by day in Meherpur. First, livestock become infected, and later people contract anthrax by eating the meat of infected animals or coming into contact with it while slaughtering or butchering.

Meanwhile, anthrax panic prevails in the Rangpur region. This year, after testing samples from 11 people in Pirgacha, Rangpur, anthrax infection was found in three people. Although the disease has been prevalent in Meherpur year after year, there is no regular vaccination program or adequate awareness activities.

As a result, the number of infected people is rising daily and many are suffering for a long time with festering wounds on their bodies.

The first anthrax patient was identified in Meherpur in 2007. Although anthrax first appeared in Kazipur, Gangni, the disease gradually spread to various areas of the upazila. Now, anthrax wounds are visible on women, men, and even children in various villages across the upazila.

According to data from the district health department, nearly 7,000 people have been infected with anthrax in various villages of Gangni over nearly two decades. Although no deaths from this disease have occurred in the district, many patients have had to endure long-term wounds and pain.

There are festering sores on various parts of their bodies. As the wounds grow larger, the pain increases. Even after receiving treatment, many are not finding complete relief. These people infected with anthrax are now spending their days in panic and helplessness.

The situation this year is even more concerning. Over the last four months, samples were collected from 55 suspected anthrax patients and sent to the Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research (IEDCR).

Among them, anthrax bacteria were identified in 45 people. In the first 9 months of this year, the number of infected individuals has reached 462. Officials fear that over 200 livestock are at risk of infection.

The health department said the prevalence of the disease is highest in the border villages of Gangni. Furthermore, anthrax infections are being seen in various villages across Baot, Kazipur, Motmura, Saharbati, and Bamandi unions.

The disease primarily spreads from livestock to humans. Selling meat at a cheaper price after slaughtering infected cattle and goats further escalates the risk. Due to a lack of proper precautions during animal slaughter, meat cutting, or cooking, people are coming into contact with the germs.

To curb the spread of anthrax, a team from the IEDCR has already begun working in Gangni. Samples from suspected patients are being collected and sent for testing. Initiatives are being taken to provide treatment to the infected after identifying the specific type of anthrax.

Gangni Upazila Livestock Officer Ariful Islam added that Gangni has long been an anthrax-prone area. Vaccination activities are ongoing under special arrangements, and 30,000 animals have already been vaccinated.

Meherpur Civil Surgeon Abu Sayeed informed that the district health department has taken initiatives to raise public awareness regarding the severity of anthrax, infection risks, and preventive measures.

However, he emphasized that people must be cautious while buying and selling meat, and using gloves when cutting meat is essential. In Pirgacha, anthrax infection was found in human bodies this year. Alongside this, 31 people in Sundarganj, Gaibandha, are displaying anthrax symptoms.

On 2 September, anthrax symptoms appeared on Suman Miah and three members of his family in the Adampara area of Chhawla Union in Pirgacha. After testing samples from 11 people there, anthrax bacteria were found in three individuals.

Later, they recovered after receiving treatment at Parbatipur CMH Hospital. Following this incident, a six-member team from IEDCR visited the spot and collected soil and other samples. Abu Taleb and Anwara Begum of Adampara village in Chhawla Union, Pirgacha, who have symptoms, said, “The sample test came back negative. Even so, fear still persists.”

Rangpur District Livestock Officer Muh Nazmul Huda said the livestock department has emphasized bringing cattle under vaccination to prevent anthrax. Various activities are being conducted among the public and farmers to create anthrax awareness.

Rangpur Divisional Health Director Wajed Ali added that this year the highest number of symptomatic cases - 31 people - are in Sundarganj. There are 45 suspected people in Rangpur, Gaibandha, and Dinajpur, although last year this number was 104. Medical teams are working across the division to raise anthrax awareness.