Anthrax continues to spread thru' dairy belt

Number of anthrax infection cases has increased to 508 across the country, as the disease continues to spread through the dairy belt mostly, a health official said Tuesday. Ten districts have confirmed outbreaks of anthrax in humans and cattle, ministry official said adding that no human fatality has been reported so far. "Thirteen new cases of human anthrax have been reported in the last 24 hours. This indicates that the rate of new infections is slowing down," he said. "The vaccination programme for cattle is having an impact while the outbreaks appeared to be localized," he added. Last week, the health ministry said that 66 people became infected in one day. However, nine infected persons were reported in Narayanganj on Wednesday, the nearest district to the capital indicating the outbreak is fast closing in around Dhaka. Anthrax does not spread directly from one infected human or animal to another, but through spores. Humans can contract anthrax from handling diseased animals or eating infected meat.