A new and unexplained disease has surfaced in Pirgacha Upazila of Rangpur, infecting over 200 individuals and creating widespread concerns among residents.
The outbreak reportedly started when livestock in the area began showing signs of illness and dying. Despite weeks passing, no coordinated efforts have been made by either the health or livestock departments, both of which continue to blame each other for the lack of intervention, according to local reports.
Residents in Pirgacha are now living in fear as those affected develop painful skin conditions. Initially, minor rashes evolve rapidly into large sores and, in severe cases, festering wounds. Local healthcare workers suspect the symptoms bear a strong resemblance to anthrax, a dangerous bacterial infection typically transmitted from animals to humans.
Rangpur Civil Surgeon Dr Shahin Sultana expressed her unawareness of the outbreak. “If such cases exist, the livestock department must address them first. Once our team receives their reports, we can send a medical response,” she said.
A visit to the affected area revealed the extent of the crisis. Nearly every union in Pirgacha, including Sadar, Tambulpur, Chawla, Parul, and Itakumari, has reported similar cases, with Sadar, Chawla, and Tambulpur being the hardest hit.
Sabina Akhter, a resident of Anantarampur village, recounted how the disease first affected her animals earlier this month. “My cows and goats developed high fevers and died within days. While caring for them, I noticed rashes on my hands, which soon turned into painful sores,” she said.
Sabina is among over 200 confirmed patients, most of whom had direct contact with infected animals or their meat. The disease has continued unchecked for over six weeks, with infected animals often dying within 24 hours of showing symptoms. In the absence of veterinary help, farmers have been selling sick animals at very low prices, unknowingly facilitating the spread of the illness.
Zaheda Begum, 50, described how a minor itch on her finger turned into a severe, rotting wound. “The skin turned black, and the pain is unbearable. Now another finger is showing similar symptoms,” she said, in tears.
Azizul Haque, a farmer from Chawla Union, painted a grim picture: “We try to treat the animals ourselves. When their condition worsens, some villagers slaughter them. Those who handle or cook the meat often fall ill.”
Despite the growing number of cases and rising panic, no public awareness campaign, medical intervention, or vaccination drive has been initiated. Experts warn that without urgent action, the situation could evolve into a widespread public health crisis.
Suspected Anthrax Outbreak in Rangpur
At the Pirgacha Upazila Health Complex, Dr Aakhi Sarkar reported that 5-7 new patients arrive daily with similar symptoms. “Entire families are getting sick. Although no tests have been conducted yet, the clinical signs suggest anthrax,” she said.
Despite the increasing number of cases, no steps have been taken to raise awareness, provide medical assistance, or conduct a vaccination campaign for livestock. Villagers claim that livestock officials have been absent, leaving farmers without any guidance or treatment. “Sick animals are dying untreated, and the disease is spreading to humans,” said a concerned villager.
District Livestock Officer Dr Md Abu Sayeed dismissed these claims, suggesting the illness was genetic. “The health department should have flagged it earlier. We now need to confirm the cause through scientific testing,” he said.
Warning of Epidemic
Belal Hossain from the Public Health Rights Movement warned of the potential for an epidemic. “People have been falling ill for weeks. If this is anthrax and it remains unchecked, it could spread nationwide,” he cautioned.
Rangpur Deputy Commissioner Rabiul Faisal stated that he had instructed local authorities to monitor the situation closely.