Dear Readers,

The One Health Secretariat is happy to share the 22nd issue of the One Health Biweekly Update.

This edition provides a brief overview of recent events from the last two weeks in Bangladesh, the region, and around the world, featuring updates on disease outbreaks, emerging health threats, and other One Health activities drawn from official and credible sources.

All previous issues remain available in our archive, reflecting the sustained interest and engagement of our growing readership.

Thank you for your continued interest and support in advancing One Health to strengthen the health of animals, humans, and broader ecosystems.

One Health Secretariat, Bangladesh

Dr. Syeda Tasnuva Maria
Senior Scientific Officer, Human Health Focal Point

Dr. Kazi Tahmina Karim
Livestock officer and Animal Health Focal point

Dr. Farhana Rahman
Epidemiologist and Focal point of Forest Department

Gangni upazila of Meherpur district continues to face a significant anthrax burden, with 462 cases reported up to September 2026, according to available reports. Anthrax was first detected in Kajipur village of Gangni in 2007. Since then, reported cases have been occurring across the upazila. Border villages in Bhat, Kajipur, Motmura, Saharbati and Bamundi unions have been identified as affected areas. Residents in those villages have reportedly developed characteristic skin lesions, raising concerns about animal handling, slaughter practices and meat safety. Over the past four months, 45 of 55 samples collected from suspected patients and tested at IEDCR were positive for anthrax. More than 200 livestock were also reportedly considered at risk. The Department of Livestock Services (DLS) is monitoring the situation and advising residents against slaughtering sick animals. The recurring cases point to continued risks associated with livestock exposure and meat handling, emphasising the need for coordinated human and animal health surveillance, appropriate livestock vaccination and safer animal slaughter practices.

(The Daily Observer)

A sharp rise in dengue cases and associated deaths was observed across Bangladesh during the first half of October 2026. Between 1 and 15 October, 27,639 dengue cases were reported, bringing the cumulative case count to 107,259, an increase of 34.7%. During the same period, 86 additional dengue-related deaths were reported, raising the cumulative death toll from 245 to 331, an increase of 35.1%. The cumulative case fatality rate (CFR) remained at approximately 0.31%.

Dhaka Division, including Dhaka North and Dhaka South City Corporations, recorded the highest number of additional cases (10,461), accounting for approximately 38% of all cases reported during the period. Outside Dhaka Division, Chattogram reported 3,948 additional cases, followed by Khulna with 3,771 and Barishal with 2,828.

(DGHS Dengue Dashboard)

Bangladesh reported 19,551 additional measles cases and 73 deaths during 1–15 October 2026, bringing the cumulative totals to 232,802 cases and 1,181 deaths. These represent increases of 9.2% in reported cases and 6.6% in deaths compared with the end of September. The cumulative CFR declined slightly from 0.52% to 0.51%.

A joint independent review team identified significant gaps in routine immunization programmes, reporting that approximately 20% of children remain unvaccinated each year, with some variation in coverage. The team also recommended verifying vaccine quality to ensure immunization effectiveness. These findings highlight the urgent need to strengthen routine immunization, ensure vaccine quality, and reach children missed by previous campaigns to prevent further measles transmission and deaths.

(DGSH Measles Press Release, The Prothom Alo)

A stray dog reportedly bit more than 50 people, including women and children, across several villages in the Bahula area of Habiganj district, Sylhet division on 14 October 2026. The incidents occurred in Bara Bahula, Chhota Bahula, Lokra and Richi. The injured were taken to Habiganj District Sadar Hospital, where they received treatment. Hospital authorities reported that 50 people, including 25 women and several children, sought treatment and confirmed that adequate stocks of anti-rabies vaccine were available. Beyond treating the injured, coordinated investigation of the animal attacks is important to assess potential rabies exposure and guide appropriate preventive measures.

(Sylhet voice)

A study of 400 buffaloes in Sylhet and Noakhali districts, conducted between September 2023 and August 2024, identified Pasteurella multocida in 29 samples through molecular testing. The bacterium causes haemorrhagic septicaemia, a potentially fatal disease affecting cattle and buffaloes that can result in substantial economic losses for livestock farmers. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing revealed high resistance among the confirmed isolates to ampicillin (96.55%), oxytetracycline (93.10%) and penicillin-G (89.65%), with resistance to multiple antimicrobial classes also observed. These findings raise concerns about treatment options for livestock infections and provide evidence relevant to veterinary antimicrobial stewardship and One Health antimicrobial resistance surveillance. 

(Microbiology Open)

Fifteen patients died from scrub typhus at Sawai Man Singh (SMS) Hospital in Jaipur, India, between July and September 2026, with nine deaths reported in September alone. The hospital recorded 339 cases from January to September, with monthly cases rising sharply from 17 in July to 93 in August and 213 in September, indicating a sharp rise in infections. Doctors reported that many patients who died had developed organ failure and stressed the importance of seeking medical care early, as delayed hospital admission may lead to more severe illness. Early symptoms of scrub typhus, including fever, headache, and muscle pain, can overlap with those of dengue and other febrile illnesses, making timely diagnosis particularly important.

(Bhaskar English, Health and Me)

Scrub Avian influenza was confirmed at a poultry farm near Siddarampuram in Anantapur district, Andhra Pradesh, following the deaths of approximately 2,500 chickens in early October 2026. Veterinary and health authorities initiated precautionary measures and surveillance to prevent further spread to nearby farms and communities. Residents were advised to report unusual poultry deaths and seek medical attention if respiratory symptoms developed following exposure to infected birds. Subsequent reports of poultry and wild-bird deaths elsewhere in the district prompted intensified surveillance and precautionary measures, illustrating the importance of coordinated animal health monitoring and human health risk assessment.

(Deccan Chronicle) 

A five-year observational study of 173 blood cancer patients undergoing hospitalization and stem cell transplantation found that higher intake of sweets, sugars and sugary beverages was associated with greater disruption of the gut microbiome following antibiotic exposure. Analysis of 1,009 stool samples showed that each additional 100 grams of these foods consumed after antibiotic exposure was associated with a further 24% decrease in gut bacterial diversity. The loss of beneficial microbial diversity may favour opportunistic pathogens such as Enterococcus faecium, which can cause serious, sometimes drug-resistant hospital-acquired infections. Experiments in mice also found a substantial increase in gut Enterococcus when antibiotics were combined with a high-sugar diet. Researchers say clinical trials are needed to determine whether reducing sugar intake during antibiotic treatment can protect the gut microbiome.

(CIDRAP)

Florida reported its first dengue-related death of 2026 after an 80-year-old woman in the Tampa area died in September. By September 26, the state had recorded 252 locally acquired dengue cases, including 223 in Hillsborough County, and detected dengue virus in 20 mosquito pools across seven counties. County officials extended a local dengue emergency and increased mosquito-control activities, including aerial and ground treatments. Residents were urged to avoid mosquito bites. The increase in locally acquired cases and detection of the virus in mosquito populations demonstrate ongoing transmission risks and the importance of integrated surveillance and vector control. 

(CIDRAP)