Two die of anthrax-like symptoms in Rangpur

Two people have died in Pirgacha upazila of Rangpur in the past month with symptoms resembling anthrax, while over a hundred others have received treatment for similar infections.

A team from the Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control, and Research (IEDCR) began fieldwork on September 13. Blood samples are being collected from affected individuals, with results expected in the coming days.

Pirgacha Upazila Health Officer Muhammad Tanvir Hasnat Robin said the deaths and infections show signs consistent with anthrax, but it can be confirmed after lab tests.

The deceased are Abdur Razzak, 60, a farmer from Maita village, and Komola Begum, 58, a homemaker from Anandi Dhaniram village -- both in Parul union.

Razzak reportedly slaughtered a sick cow on August 2 and developed fever and sores the next day. He died on August 9 after hospitalisation.

Komola Begum fell ill after handling and cooking meat from a sick cow and died on September 6.

Family members of both deceased said several relatives who came into contact with the meat have also been infected.

Razzak's son, Mizanur Rahman, said, "My father slaughtered the cow. I also handled the meat. Four members of my family including me were affected. My father's symptoms were the worst."

"First comes fever, then reddish boils that turn black," said Mizanur, who is undergoing treatment.

Dulal Mia, son of Komola Begum, said, "We did not know that touching or eating meat of a sick cow could cause such a disease. My mother contracted it while cleaning and cooking the meat, and she died. Two other family members and I have been infected. We have taken treatment."

Rangpur District Livestock Officer Abu Sayeed confirmed that meat samples tested positive for anthrax. "Infected cows were slaughtered and sold cheaply. Many preserved the meat in freezers, leading to widespread exposure," he said.

Over the past three months, more than 100 cows have died in Pirgacha, though not all were anthrax cases. Authorities have vaccinated 40,000 cattle and are distributing leaflets to raise awareness. Butchers have been warned against slaughtering sick animals.

Nazrul Islam, a farmer from Parul village, said two of his cows died and two others remain infected despite vaccination.

Rangpur Civil Surgeon Shahin Sultana said the situation remains under control. "Anthrax does not spread from human to human, but handling or consuming infected meat can cause transmission," she said.

Contacted, Prof Tahmina Shirin, director of IEDCR, said a team from IEDCR is still investigating the matter on the spot.

"I will be able to comment once I receive the report," she told this newspaper yesterday.