Anthrax
Photo: SHAFIQ ISLAM/DRIKNEWS
Anthrax is now an alarming issue. Eight more people have been infected with Anthrax in different areas of Pabna and Sirajganj, the districts' health officials suspected on Monday last. Three more people have been suffering from Anthrax symptoms in Sirajganj, raising the total number to 109 while five more patients were found in Pabna with the same symptoms increasing the number to 24. The situation is going from bad to worse. We came to know from the news media that though Sirajganj civil surgeon office and Pabna district and livestock officials have been distributing free vaccines among the Anthrax patients, the situation is not under control. Animals that are sick are being slaughtered. Dead animals are not properly buried . As a result, the disease is spreading There is another problem, infected patients are dependent on unscientific methods of treatment. Traditionally, vaccination has consisted of three shots given two weeks apart, followed by three additional shots given at 6, 12, and 18 months. But some research has shown that a less stringent schedule may be equally effective with fewer side effects. The vaccine isn't intended for the general public. Instead, it's reserved for military personnel, scientists working with anthrax and people in other high-risk professions. Bangladesh where anthrax is now common and herd animals aren't routinely vaccinated, people should avoid contact with livestock and animal skins as much as possible. Also avoid eating meat that hasn't been properly cooked. It's important for all of us to handle any dead animal with care and to take precautions when working with or processing imported hides, fur or wool.
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