Anthrax hazard
According to the latest report, 589 people have been infected with Anthrax so far, since the middle of August. Anthrax was first detected in Bangladesh on August 20 in Sirajganj district. Despite measures taken by the local government, the disease spread into six districts of the country.
Anthrax bacterium is naturally found in the soil and it usually infects the livestock via inhalation or ingestion of spores while grazing. Without quick treatment, anthrax infection often gets fatal in both humans and cattle. Vaccines are available for animals and humans. However, in humans their use should be confined to high-risk groups, such as those occupationally exposed. Antibiotic therapy is also there which usually results in dramatic recovery of the individual or the animal. The government has set up checkpoints at cattle markets, asked the livestock departments and civil surgeons to remain on high alert, and sent emergency veterinary teams to the six affected districts. As Eid -ul -Adha is nearing, something must be done immediately.
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