DHAKA, September 26: At least 53 people have received treatment after showing symptoms linked to anthrax exposure in three northern Bangladesh districts over the past month, according to The Daily Star. The cases have renewed concern about the slaughter and distribution of meat from sick cattle.
The affected areas include Rangpur, Dinajpur and Gaibandha. Health officials told the newspaper that 16 people in Rangpur and Dinajpur were diagnosed with anthrax and have recovered. In Gaibandha’s Sundarganj area, 37 people received treatment for symptoms. These figures distinguish confirmed diagnoses from people treated after showing symptoms.
Officials traced one cluster to a sick cow slaughtered in Bachhati village on September 9. Its meat was distributed among about 100 families. Samples of meat collected later tested positive for anthrax, according to the local livestock office. Health and disease-control teams have visited the affected area to investigate and raise awareness.
The outbreak highlights the risks of handling or eating meat from sick livestock. Local officials have stressed the need for veterinary checks before animals are slaughtered in affected areas. A health official quoted by The Daily Star said patients can recover with proper treatment.
