4 die of unknown disease in Pabna

Four people have died of an unknown disease and over 50 others fell sick in Krishnapur village in Santhia upazila of Pabna district. The deceased were identified as Hannan, 42, son of Abed Ali, Taher, 45, son of Sobhan, Kafil, 42, son of Nifaz, and Rekha Khatun, 45, wife of Mahmud Master of the village. Locals said the unknown disease started affecting the villagers some 15 days back. Over 50 people were affected during the period and four of them died in the last five days ending Wednesday night. Relatives of the deceased said they first complained of respiratory problem, headache, tingling, nausea and vomiting. Later, they fell unconscious. Santhia UNO Shafiqul Islam, upazila chairman Moklesur Rahman, upazila health and family planning officer Dr M Anisur Rahman and its medical officer Dr Munnafur Rahman visited the village on Wednesday night. Confirming its outbreak, Dr Anisur Rahman said the disease might be mass psychogenic illness. A four-member medical team is providing treatment to the affected people at the village, he said, according to a news agency.