A one-health approach to investigate and control the spread of the first documented anthrax outbreak in the central region of Bangladesh, April-May 2024
1
Department of Epidemiology, Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research (IEDCR), MOHFW, Dhaka, Bangladesh
2
Department of Livestock Services (DLS), Dhaka, Bangladesh
3
Eastern Mediterranean Public Health Network (EMPHNET) Bangladesh Office, Dhaka, Bangladesh
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):A461
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION:
Anthrax is a global health concern, particularly in regions with limited veterinary and healthcare resources. In April 2024, a suspected anthrax cluster was reported in Gazipur, Bangladesh- an area with no prior reported cases. From 30 April to 6 May 2024, a team investigated to identify the infection source, determine the outbreak’s magnitude, and recommend control measures.
METHODS:
Using a One-Health approach, epidemiologists gathered exposure and risk information, veterinarians investigated infection sources, and anthropologists explored community behaviors related to cattle slaughter. A retrospective cohort study was conducted on human cases. Lesion swabs and blood from symptomatic humans, soil, crops, and animal meat were collected and tested for anthrax via RT-PCR.
RESULTS:
On April 21, six individuals slaughtered a sick cow and shared the meat with 65 people. One of them, a 45-year-old man developed fever on April 22 followed by skin lesions, and died on April 29 before the collection of samples. The cause of his death couldn’t be confirmed as post-mortem was not done. The attack rate was 83% (5/6) for slaughtering and 9% (6/65) for beef consumption. The relative risk of anthrax from cow slaughtering was 50 (95% CI: 6.93–360.79). The median incubation period was 3.5 days (range; IQR:1-9; 2). Five human samples and the cow’s meat tested positive for anthrax. All human cases recovered following antibiotic treatment. The slaughtered cow and other cattle of the area were unvaccinated. Villagers slaughtered sick cows to avoid financial loss, as meat from naturally deceased animals is unsellable. Control measures, including livestock ring vaccination and risk communication, were implemented. No additional cases were reported during a 60-day follow-up.
CONCLUSIONS:
This first documented anthrax cluster in Gazipur was successfully contained using a One-Health approach. To prevent recurrence, livestock vaccination, awareness programs on anthrax and laboratory-supported surveillance in the district are essential.
Anthrax is a global health concern, particularly in regions with limited veterinary and healthcare resources. In April 2024, a suspected anthrax cluster was reported in Gazipur, Bangladesh- an area with no prior reported cases. From 30 April to 6 May 2024, a team investigated to identify the infection source, determine the outbreak’s magnitude, and recommend control measures.
METHODS:
Using a One-Health approach, epidemiologists gathered exposure and risk information, veterinarians investigated infection sources, and anthropologists explored community behaviors related to cattle slaughter. A retrospective cohort study was conducted on human cases. Lesion swabs and blood from symptomatic humans, soil, crops, and animal meat were collected and tested for anthrax via RT-PCR.
RESULTS:
On April 21, six individuals slaughtered a sick cow and shared the meat with 65 people. One of them, a 45-year-old man developed fever on April 22 followed by skin lesions, and died on April 29 before the collection of samples. The cause of his death couldn’t be confirmed as post-mortem was not done. The attack rate was 83% (5/6) for slaughtering and 9% (6/65) for beef consumption. The relative risk of anthrax from cow slaughtering was 50 (95% CI: 6.93–360.79). The median incubation period was 3.5 days (range; IQR:1-9; 2). Five human samples and the cow’s meat tested positive for anthrax. All human cases recovered following antibiotic treatment. The slaughtered cow and other cattle of the area were unvaccinated. Villagers slaughtered sick cows to avoid financial loss, as meat from naturally deceased animals is unsellable. Control measures, including livestock ring vaccination and risk communication, were implemented. No additional cases were reported during a 60-day follow-up.
CONCLUSIONS:
This first documented anthrax cluster in Gazipur was successfully contained using a One-Health approach. To prevent recurrence, livestock vaccination, awareness programs on anthrax and laboratory-supported surveillance in the district are essential.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
We process personal data collected when visiting the website. The function of obtaining information about users and their behavior is carried out by voluntarily entered information in forms and saving cookies in end devices. Data, including cookies, are used to provide services, improve the user experience and to analyze the traffic in accordance with the Privacy policy. Data are also collected and processed by Google Analytics tool (more).
You can change cookies settings in your browser. Restricted use of cookies in the browser configuration may affect some functionalities of the website.
You can change cookies settings in your browser. Restricted use of cookies in the browser configuration may affect some functionalities of the website.
