At least five people have died in a week after being bitten by a rabid dog in Sundarganj upazila of Gaibandha, triggering panic over rabies in the area amid a reported shortage of vaccines at local health facilities.
The latest victim, Yasmin Sultana, 40, died on Wednesday at her house at Bajra Konchibari village.
According to locals, a rabid dog attacked at least 13 people, including children and women, in several villages of Konchibari and Chaprohati unions on April 22.
The injured initially received treatment locally and later went to Gaibandha General Hospital seeking anti-rabies vaccines.
However, vaccines were reportedly unavailable, forcing them to seek treatment elsewhere, many struggling due to financial hardship.
Among the victims, Afroza Begum, 50, died on Tuesday while undergoing treatment at Rangpur Medical College Hospital, while Nanda Rani and Fulu Mia died on May 6, and Ratneshwar Kumar, a mason, died on May 8.
Yasmin Sultana became the latest victim, raising the death toll to five, according to local authorities.
Currently, eight other victims are undergoing treatment at home after returning from hospital, with two reported to be in critical condition.
The upazila administration has provided Tk 10,000 in financial assistance to each affected family.
Upazila Nirbahi Officer Effat Zahan Tuli said the administration is monitoring the condition of those still undergoing treatment.