Panic spreads as five of a family dies of unknown disease

Thakurgaon Correspondent: Panic among locals has spread as five members of a family died of an unidentified disease in the last 15 days at Bhandardah Nayabari village in Baliadanga upazila of the district.

More six to seven people have been admitted to Rangpur Medical College Hospital this morning as they fell sick with the symptoms of the same disease.

Villagers said Taher Ali, 55, son of Fazar Ali of the village, died on February 9 after falling sick with symptoms of breathing problem. Later, his son-in-law Habibur Rahman, 35, died on February 20 while Taher’s wife Hosne Ara, 45, died the following day the same way.

Taher’s elder son Yousuf Ali, 30, and younger son Mehedi Hasan, 24, fell sick on Sunday. Yousuf died on the way to Rangpur Medical College Hospital while Mehedi died while he was undergoing treatment.

Doctor Shahjahan Newaj, acting civil surgeon of Thakurgaon Modern Sadar Hospital, said: “It is being primarily assumed that inflammation in the brain might be the reason behind their death. At first, it attacks the brain. There is a possibility of death within a shortest time if someone is attacked with this disease.”

“Three-member committee has been formed to investigate the deaths and six-member medical team has been formed to ensure immediate treatment for the people sick with the disease. Control room has also been opened,” Newaj said.

A probe panel is coming from Dhaka today to investigate the cause behind the death, he said, adding that they will collect sample from the dead body of Mehedi.

Deputy Commissioner (DC) of Thakurgaon Dr KM Kamruzzaman Selim said, “We are giving top priority on the matter. Officials concerned have been given directives to take necessary steps in this regard.”


risingbd/Thakurgaon/Feb 25, 2019/Tanvir Hasan Tanu/AI