7 people infected with anthrax in Pabna

At least seven people have been confirmed as infected with anthrax in Pabna's Bhangpur upazila after eating contaminated meat. The victims have been identified as Nazrul Islam, 28, Biplob, 25, Shahjahan Ali, 35, Bablu, 40, Sayeem, 35, Sabuj, 28, and Mantu, 30, reports UNB. All of them are involved in cattle trading. Upazila Health Complex's Health and Family Planning Officer Md Shahadat Hossain said they had taken “necessary measures” in this regard. Anthrax is a potentially deadly infectious disease caused by exposure to the bacterium Bacillus anthracis. The bacteria most commonly affects hoofed animals, but people who come in contact with the spores can also become infected. Infected people suffer fever, severe pain and swollen tissues, often with lesions. The disease can be deadly if not treated immediately. Locals said that on Friday a cow of neighbouring village in Faridpur upazila was slaughtered after it had fallen sick. Later in the day, seven people of Haropara village ate the tainted meat. Several hours later they fell sick, with blisters on their hands and legs, and complained of pain.