Rangpur Correspondent:

Health officials have confirmed nine new human cases of anthrax in Rangpur as the outbreak spread beyond Pirgachha to Mithapukur and Kaunia Upazilas.

The Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research (IEDCR) said eight people in Pirgachha and one in Mithapukur tested positive after samples were collected earlier this month. Results from Kaunia are pending.

At least two people died with anthrax symptoms in Pirgachha in July and August, while more than 200 others were infected, according to the health department. The livestock department later detected anthrax in samples of diseased cattle meat.

During visits to Pirgachha Sadar and Parul unions on Sept 13-14, health officials collected samples from 12 people with symptoms, according to IEDCR Director Tahmina Shirin. Eight of them tested positive for anthrax, she said.

“We have been on alert since anthrax was detected in three Upazilas,” said Rangpur Civil Surgeon’s Office Superintendent Arbinda Kumar Modak.

“EDCR has trained our health assistants to collect samples. Whenever we get reports of infections, samples are collected and sent to IEDCR. We are also continuing awareness campaigns.”

Most of the infected have already recovered, according to Pirgachha Upazila Health Officer Muhammad Tanvir Hasnat.

“Doctors have visited affected areas to reassure patients so they do not panic. We are maintaining strict surveillance to prevent further cases.”

Anthrax spreads from infected animals to humans through contact with meat, blood or other tissues, though it does not pass from person to person. Doctors say skin sores are the most common symptom.

Although the law requires butchers to obtain health certificates from the Civil Surgeon’s Office and a livestock licence before trading meat, most traders in Rangpur lack such certification. Many are unaware of the rule.

“I didn’t know a livestock licence was needed for meat trading. I only heard about it at a recent meeting. We don’t slaughter sick animals, so we don’t do health checks,” said Bakkar Ali, a butcher from Taraganj.

Deputy Civil Surgeon Ruhul Amin said there was a sufficient stock of antibiotics at Upazila health complexes.

“Guidelines have been issued to ensure patients get proper treatment. But since the disease originates in animals, the main responsibility lies with the livestock department,” he added.

Livestock officials said more than 165,000 animals in the affected Upazilas have been vaccinated since late August.

Residents, however, allege hundreds of cattle have already died. But district livestock officer Abu Sayeed urged calm. “Cases in goats are rare. There is no need for panic. Awareness work is ongoing.”

Anthrax is caused by the bacterium Bacillus anthracis, which can survive in soil for decades. Outbreaks often follow heavy rains after dry spells, when spores enter livestock through grazing.