Experts collect samples from anthrax patients
A team of experts from Institute of Epidemiology, Disease, Control and Research (IEDCR) visited anthrax affected Chinanari village of Santhia upazila in the district to collect samples from the infected yesterday.
The team confirmed it as Cutaneous anthrax that spreads due to direct contact with the bacteria Bacillus Anthracis through the animal's hide and hair. In this case, an itchy sore develops in human body between 1 to 12 days after exposure.
“We collected blood samples from the patients' body for clinical diagnosis,” said Dr Apurba Chakrabarti, outbreak investigation officer of IEDCR.
Pabna Civil Surgeon Dr Md Khalilur Rahman said the three infected with anthrax last week are quickly improving.
“The livestock department already completed 90 percent coverage of vaccination target in Santhia upazila because this is the most vulnerable area for anthrax.
“Vaccination coverage was 100 percent in the affected Chinanari village last month,” said Dr Saiful Islam, district livestock officer, quoting the livestock department's investigation report.
The anthrax spore (germ) can exist for even 50 years in the environment, so Santhia upazila and adjoining areas are still vulnerable, said Prof Mahamudur Rahman of IEDCR, adding that the disease outbreak is during the rainy season.
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