Anthrax Alert!

We note with alarm that the number of people infected with Anthrax is already 87 and counting as health officials are predicting more cases in the coming weeks. The recent outbreak is attributed to consumption of meat of animals which were infected with the disease. The worrying part is that it is hard to tell how many animals are infected and being slaughtered and sold in the market. Exposure to infected animals and consumption of their meat are prime causes of contracting the disease that can lead to fatalities. 

Bangladesh is not unfamiliar with anthrax – outbreaks have occurred quite a few times in previous years with the government setting up surveillance teams and procuring vaccination for animals at risk of contracting the disease. It is therefore not clear why these animals were infected in the first place – were they not vaccinated? Secondly it is obvious that there is little or no monitoring of the quality of meat being sold in the markets especially in the villages where poor people may unknowingly buy cheaper meat which is infected.

Now that the disease has manifested itself again there is no reason to beat around the bush regarding taking immediate steps to combat this terrible disease that can cause pneumonia, blood infection and death. Containing the outbreak should be the primary objective of the government. This will include making villagers aware of how the disease is contracted so that they avoid handling or consuming infected meat, maintain proper hygiene and treat skin abrasions; making sure cattle owners vaccinate their animals; treating animals with antimicrobial drugs; ensuring proper disposal of carcasses of animals that are suspected to have died of anthrax in deep pits and monitoring and treatment of persons infected.