রোগতত্ত্ব, রোগ নিয়ন্ত্রণ ও গবেষণা ইনস্টিটিউট

অ্যানথ্রাক্স সার্ভেইলেন্স এর সংক্ষিপ্ত বিবরণ

Anthrax is a significant zoonotic disease of public health importance in Bangladesh due to its close association with livestock production systems, agricultural practices, and human exposure to infected animals or animal-derived products. The disease remains endemic in several regions of the country, particularly in areas with high cattle density and traditional livestock-rearing practices. Anthrax primarily affects herbivorous animals and can be transmitted to humans through cutaneous exposure via skin abrasions, ingestion of raw or undercooked meat, or inhalation of spores. The incubation period ranges from 1 to 20 days. While anthrax infection is usually fatal in affected animals, human cases can also be fatal if not promptly diagnosed and treated.

To strengthen early case detection, timely outbreak response, and coordinated disease control, the Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research (IEDCR) initiated sentinel surveillance for human anthrax in 2018. This surveillance system was established in alignment with the One Health approach, which emphasizes coordinated collaboration among the human health, animal health, and environmental sectors. Currently, routine anthrax surveillance is conducted in three upazilas of Meherpur district, selected based on their epidemiological risk and historical occurrence of anthrax.

Since its implementation, the anthrax sentinel surveillance system has substantially enhanced IEDCR’s capacity to detect, investigate, and respond rapidly to anthrax outbreaks nationwide. In 2025, IEDCR conducted four anthrax outbreak investigations following notifications from different regions. Among these, one was confirmed in Pirgacha Upazila of Rangpur District, while repeated outbreaks were identified in Daulatpur Upazila of Kushtia District. These findings indicate ongoing transmission in known endemic areas and underscore the necessity of sustained surveillance and targeted public health interventions.

In addition to outbreak investigations, IEDCR ensured immediate response to all reported anthrax notifications across the country. During 2025, a total of 16 anthrax notifications were responded. Confirmed positive cases were identified in Sundarganj, Kaunia, and Mithapukur upazilas, whereas the remaining notifications did not result in laboratory-confirmed cases. This rapid response mechanism is critical for verifying suspected events, preventing further transmission, and minimizing unwarranted public concern.

Beyond surveillance and outbreak investigation, IEDCR implemented comprehensive outbreak preparedness, response, and prevention activities. These included field-based investigations, capacity-building training for healthcare workers to strengthen case detection, reporting, and clinical management, and the provision of logistical support to affected areas. Additionally, Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) materials were disseminated to communities to enhance awareness and reduce exposure-related risks. Follow-up activities were also conducted to monitor outbreak progression and ensure effective implementation of recommended control measures. Overall, IEDCR’s anthrax surveillance program plays a pivotal role in mitigating human anthrax risk and strengthening One Health–based disease control efforts in Bangladesh.

Contact Person: Dr. Sohel Rahman, IEDCR
Phone No: 01716629308

অ্যানথ্রাক্স সার্ভেইলেন্স প্রতিবেদন

Anthrax Surveillance Report

অ্যানথ্রাক্স সার্ভেইলেন্স ড্যাশবোর্ড

ড্যাশবোর্ড লিঙ্ক