Woman dies with symptoms of anthrax in Gaibandha

GAIBANDHA, Oct 05: A woman named has died with symptoms of anthrax in Sundarganj Upazila of Gaibandha.

The deceased was identified as Ajena Begum (45), wife of Abul Hossain under West Belka village of Belka union in Sundarganj Upazila. Panic has spread in the area following this incident.

According to local sources, about a week ago, a goat of Ajena Begum gave birth to two kids. One of the two kids fell ill. Later, she brought the goat and the kids home. When the sick kid died, Ajena Begum slaughtered it on September 30. At that time, a wound was caused on her finger by a bone from the goat. After that, she took treatment from a local village doctor.

But when the condition did not improve, the family members admitted her to the Sundarganj Upazila Health Complex. When her condition deteriorated there, she was taken to Rangpur Medical College Hospital last Saturday night. She died there while undergoing treatment.

Belka Union Council Chairman Maulana Md. Ibrahim Khalilullah said, "The deceased Ajena Begum had symptoms of anthrax. She died while undergoing treatment at Rangpur Medical College Hospital on Saturday night. We have informed the Upazila Administration and Health Department about the matter."

Sundarganj Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer Dr. Dibakar Basak said, "Last Saturday, the patient was brought to the Upazila Health Complex in a very bad condition. We immediately treated her and referred her to Rangpur Medical. We believe that the patient had symptoms of anthrax, but nothing can be said for sure without tests."

He also said, "The patient's blood pressure had dropped significantly and she had difficulty with breathing. Overall, the matter is suspicious."

Health officials said anthrax usually enters the human body through contact with infected cattle or their meat, skin or blood. It can be fatal if not treated promptly.

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