DHAKA, Bangladesh, Sept. 6 (UPI) -- More than 200 people in Bangladesh contracted the deadly disease anthrax in the past month and a red alert was issued, health officials said.
The outbreak was traced to a small village, where at least 26 people were infected, then to another area where an infected cow and buffalo were slaughtered and eaten, the country's BDNews24.com reported.
Since the outbreak was identified on Aug. 19, health officials have distributed 500,000 vials of vaccine to treat animals.
Most forms of the disease are fatal, but victims may recover if treated with antibiotics or vaccine, the report said. Those affected develop lesions and swelling. The disease is often contracted by eating the flesh of animals that carry it.
UPI
