Nine new anthrax cases detected as outbreak spreads in Rangpur

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...