New anthrax outbreak in the north: dozens of suspected cases in Rangpur and Gaibandha

More than fifty people are showing symptoms consistent with the disease, which is transmitted from livestock to humans. For the first time, cases have also been reported in the Rangpur region. The government has launched mass vaccinations and awareness campaigns, but experts warn that surveillance structures remain fragile and the risk of new infections is high.

Dhaka (AsiaNews) - An anthrax outbreak has hit the northern districts of Bangladesh, Rangpur and Gaibandha, causing serious concern among health authorities and local communities. This is the first time that human infections have been recorded in Rangpur, according to the Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research (IEDCR), which has launched an urgent investigation to contain the epidemic.

More than fifty people in the suburbs of Pirgachha, Mithapukur (Rangpur) and Sundarganj (Gaibandha) are showing symptoms consistent with the disease, which can be fatal if left untreated. The bacterium Bacillus anthracis, which causes anthrax, can survive in the soil for decades, infecting cattle, goats and buffaloes that eat contaminated grass. Humans become infected through contact with the meat, blood or skin of infected animals.

Fear has spread rapidly among meat traders. Fazlur Rahman, a butcher in Pirgachha, tells AsiaNews: ‘I used to slaughter three cows a day. Now I only slaughter one, and even that is difficult to sell. People are afraid. I only buy healthy animals, but demand has plummeted.’

The Department of Livestock of the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock has activated emergency measures: mass vaccination of livestock, veterinary visits, information campaigns and a ban on the slaughter of sick animals. Leaflets have begun to be distributed in the most affected areas, while loudspeakers in markets and villages broadcast awareness and prevention messages.

The authorities have also published notices in national newspapers and launched public meetings and training sessions as part of the “One Health” initiative, which promotes collaboration between public health and veterinary services. Controls have been tightened to trace the origin of infected animals and prevent new infections.

According to Dr Mushtaq Hossain, former scientific director of the IEDCR, it is essential to remain vigilant: ‘Anthrax spreads through contact with infected animals or remains. Slaughtering these animals must be strictly prohibited. Their meat must not be eaten. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment can save lives.’

The doctor pointed out that symptoms in animals include fever, breathing difficulties and dark blood discharge; in humans, however, the disease manifests itself as black skin lesions. " It is essential to report suspected cases immediately and contact local health centres," he added.

Despite the government's immediate response, experts believe that surveillance facilities remain weak and coordination between different departments is still insufficient. The source of the new outbreak has not been identified, and specialists warn that without a national prevention plan, the risk of recurrence remains high.

Anthrax is also known to have been used as a biological weapon, as the spores can be easily dried and spread. The most notorious incident occurred in 2001 in the United States, when envelopes containing spores were sent to newspapers and politicians, causing five deaths and 17 infections.