Lab test confirms infection
The suspected anthrax outbreak in Sirajganj is tested to be the mildest form of the skin infection that can easily be treated with antibiotics.
Laboratory tests of the Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research (IEDCR) has confirmed it as cutaneous anthrax, the most common form of the disease, which infected 127 people over the last two weeks.
Some 20 cows were reported to have died of anthrax, but death in case of human infection is extremely rare when antibiotics are promptly given.
“There’s no reason to be panicked about human infection,” asserted Prof Mahmudur Rahman, director of IEDCR, which submitted its findings to the health ministry yesterday.
“The government is trying to tackle the outbreak with enough medicines, vaccinations and surveillance.”
Several teams of epidemiologists and livestock officials are on alert to find out affected people and animals in the area, he said. Field officers are also being trained to handle the outbreak in Belkuchi, Kamarkhand and Shahjadpur of Sirajganj and Santhia upazila of Pabna.
The outbreak in Sirajganj is the 8th incident in the country in one year, he said last week, adding that the disease was earlier diagnosed in Pabna, Dhaka and other areas, and 99 people were found infected.
Our correspondents from Pabna and Sirajganj report, 24 more people were affected by suspected anthrax in these two districts since Tuesday night.
Sirajganj Civil Surgeon Dr Nurul Islam said at least 20 cattle have so far died of anthrax in the district.
The main risk factor for getting cutaneous anthrax is contact with animal hides or hair, bone products, and wool, as well as direct contact with infected animals, according to medical journals. And the anthrax occurs after the bacteria comes in contact with a cut or scrape on the skin.
Between 1-12 days after exposure, an itchy sore develops, similar to an insect bite. This sore may blister and form a black ulcer, which is usually painless. It is usually surrounded by significant swelling. A scab often develops, and then dries and falls off within two weeks, although complete healing can take longer.
Dr Bidhan Chandra Das, an assistant director of livestock department told The Daily Star, “We’re vaccinating all cows and goats in the anthrax affected areas.”
