20 'infected' with anthrax in Sirajganj

A microscopic picture of spores and vegetative cells of Bacillus anthracis which causes the disease anthrax is pictured in this undated file photograph. Photo: Reuters

Around 20 people are learnt to have been infected primarily with anthrax in Ullahpara upazila of Sirajganj, according to the local health complex.

On information, a medical team from Ullapara Upazila Health Complex went to Charnandigati village this morning and primarily detected 20 persons infected with the anthax, Thana Health Officer Sukumar Sur Roy told The Daily Star.

A sick cow was slaughtered at the house of one Abdur Rahman of the village on August 16.

All the 20 people ate the meat and got infected with skin problems, Roy said quoting the villagers.

Primarily, the disease has been diagnosed as anthrax, he added.

The medical team has already informed the matter to the higher authorities and a specialised team from Dhaka is expected to visit the village immediately, he added.