, Oct. 22 -- Nine more people have been detected with anthrax in Pirgacha upazila of Rangpur district, escalating fear among locals and raising concerns within the health department.

Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer Dr Masud Rana came up with the information on Wednesday.

Those who were detected with anthrax were identified as Ashura Begum 65, Robiul Islam 55, Shahin Mia, 23, Sharif Mia, 22, Khasa Mia, 52, Rowhabul Mia, 32 of Cheragpur and Shilpi, 28, Mamun, 16, and Khorshed Islam, 25 of Dwariapur village under Ramnathpur Union.

However, authorities have already issued strict instructions against slaughtering cattle without proper veterinary checks.

Local sources said that on October 4, Sadek Ali, son of Shamsher Ali from Ch...