Rabies Outbreak Kills Five in Northern Bangladesh District
Photo Collected
Five people have died and nine others were injured in Bangladesh’s northern district of Gaibandha following a series of dog attacks over the past week, sparking widespread panic and prompting authorities to initiate a mass vaccination drive. The fatalities occurred after at least 14 individuals, including women and children, were bitten by stray dogs in various areas of Sundarganj Upazila, with three victims dying at Rangpur Medical College Hospital and two at their homes.
The incidents began on April 22 when a single stray dog reportedly attacked residents in Bazra Kanchibari, Kanchibari, and nearby Chhaparhati Union. Victims subsequently sought treatment at Gaibandha General Hospital and Rangpur Medical College Hospital.
বিজ্ঞাপন
The deceased have been identified as Nanda Rani (55), Ful Mia (52), Ratneshwar Barman (42), Afroza Begum (40), and Sultana Begum (39), all residents of Kanchibari and Dhubni Bazar villages. The nine injured, including Fajiton Nessa, Rumina Begum, Nazrul Islam, Hamidul Islam, Golenur Begum, Mitu Akhter, Atikur Mia, Labonno Akhter, and Bijoy Hossain, are now recovering at home after receiving rabies vaccinations.
Gaibandha Civil Surgeon Md. Rafiquzzaman told the local newspaper Prothom Alo that a review of the victims’ symptoms and medical histories strongly suggests they succumbed to rabies. He noted that while the injured received vaccinations, factors such as inadequate wound cleaning, bites near the head, lack of Rabies Immunoglobulin (RIG), cold chain issues, or delayed treatment could contribute to vaccine failure in some cases. The Health Directorate has been formally notified, and a seven-member health team is active in Sundarganj, with the Health Minister personally instructing 24-hour observation of affected individuals and ensuring adequate stock of rabies vaccines and RIG in hospitals.
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District Administrator Mohammad Masudur Rahman Molla affirmed that the district administration is closely monitoring the situation. On-site visits to Bazra Kanchibari village revealed a palpable sense of fear among residents, with relatives and neighbors congregating at the homes of the victims. Sixteen-year-old Mitu Akter recounted being bitten on the hand by a dog that suddenly appeared in her yard. Eleven-year-old Labonno Akhter, a primary school student, was attacked on her face while on her way to school but is now recovering at home after treatment.
Sundarganj Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer Dibakar Basak confirmed that none of the victims sought initial treatment at the upazila health complex, instead opting for Gaibandha General Hospital and Rangpur Medical College Hospital. He added that complete medical records regarding the precise cause of death are still pending.
Local residents have expressed frustration over a perceived lack of action despite a long-standing increase in the stray dog population, which they say roam freely in markets, streets, and residential areas. Sundarganj Upazila Livestock Officer (Acting) Mozammel Haque stated that no allocation for stray dog vaccinations has been received in the past three years, though limited vaccines were available for pet dogs.
However, a significant vaccination effort is now underway. Gaibandha District Livestock Officer Md. Abdur Razzak informed Prothom Alo that an 18-member team from Sirajganj arrived on Friday evening to commence vaccinating stray dogs. The initial target is to vaccinate four to five thousand dogs, with the program scheduled to begin on Saturday.
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