Woman Dies Showing Symptoms of Anthrax in Gaibandha

A 45-year-old woman, Moz. Azena Begum, passed away in Sundarganj, Gaibandha, exhibiting symptoms of anthrax.

The incident was reported on Sunday, 5 October, at 11:00 AM by Maulana Md. Ibrahim Khalilullah, Chairman of Belka Union Parishad.

He stated that Azena Begum died late on Saturday night while undergoing treatment at Rangpur Medical College Hospital.

Personal and Family Background

Azena Begum was the wife of Md. Abul Hossain from West Belka village (Dakkidar Mor) in Belka Union, Sundarganj Upazila. She owned one adult goat and two kids.

According to the UP Chairman, one of the goat kids fell ill. Observing its deteriorating condition, the family slaughtered the goat kid on 30 September, during which Azena sustained a cut on her finger, exposing the bone. She initially sought treatment from a local rural doctor, but when her condition did not improve, her family took her to the Upazila Health Complex, which later referred her to Rangpur Medical College Hospital, where she ultimately passed away.

Medical Observations

Statements from Medical Authorities

Md. Ashraful Islam, nephew of Azena Begum and the attending rural doctor, stated: “On her first visit, she had a black pustule on her finger. I treated it and warned her of possible anthrax infection. Two days later, when she returned, the pustule had disappeared, but the finger was red. I advised immediate hospital treatment, suspecting anthrax.”

Dr. Dibakar Basak, Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer, added: “On 4 October, the patient came to our facility in very poor condition. We provided necessary treatment and referred her to Rangpur Medical College Hospital. Whether she died from anthrax cannot be confirmed without testing, but her medical history indicated symptoms consistent with the disease. She also had low blood pressure and breathing difficulties at the time.”