18 infected with anthrax

At least 18 people have been infected with anthrax in Gopalpur upazila of the district on Tuesday.

The victims, Kabir Hossain, Arif, Ahmed Chakdar, Tazem, Monjurul Islam, Helal, Lebu Mia, Ayaz Uddin, Alif Mia, Rajib, Rashedul, Bonnya, Shahnaz Begum, Golbanu, Jaida Begum, Kohinur Akhter, Sheuli and Kona, took treatment at Gopalpur Upazila Health Complex. 

According to health officials in the district, one Minhaj Chakdar of Bholarpara village slaughtered one of his sick cows and distributed the meat among the neighbours and relatives on Monday. 

All the 18 men and women of the village, who were engaged in slaughtering, processing and washing the meat of the anthrax-infected cow, got infected.

A medical team from of the upazila health department is working at the village to provide treatment to the affected people, said Tangail Civil Surgeon Dr Syed Ibne Sayeed.

Besides, the district livestock department also started vaccinating the cattle in the affected area, he added.