Thailand experiences first anthrax fatality in three decades
In the heart of Thailand, authorities are sounding the alarm after a fatal anthrax case popped up in Mukdahan province - the first such incident in three decades. A 53-year-old gentleman fell ill and sadly lost his life from the potent bacteria, with health officials identifying a second case in the same province and investigating three more potential cases.
Dr Narong Chankaeo, Mukdahan's chief health officer, announced the grim news on Friday. The deceased and his buddy showcased similar symptoms, such as skin lesions on their hands and rashes. However, the infected man was enjoying good health before coming down with anthrax and has not developed severe symptoms, according to the doctor. He's receiving treatment in the hospital and is anticipated to make a full recovery within two weeks, provided there are no complications.
Once a disease control area, Don Tan district, which borders Laos where dozens of anthrax infections were reported last year, now bears that label again. Around 638 people in Don Tan are believed to have come into contact with the same source of infection, through either butchering or consuming raw or undercooked beef. All of them have been given doxycycline, a broad-spectrum antibiotic.
Neighboring provinces like Amnat Charoen, Kalasin, and Nakhon Phanom are keeping a watchful eye for potential anthrax infections, and residents have been warned against consuming raw beef. The Department of Livestock Development plans to vaccinate about 1,200 cattle within a 5-kilometer radius of where the initial anthrax case was detected, but no animals have exhibited any signs of illness or unexplained deaths so far.
Thailand last experienced human anthrax cases in 2017, with two people infected but no fatalities. In 2000, 15 cases were recorded without any deaths. Wednesday's death was the first anthrax fatality the country has seen since 1994, following a surge in regional infections. Laos reported 129 anthrax cases last year, including one death, while Vietnam confirmed 13 cases in May 2023.
It's worth mentioning that Thailand seems to be keeping a low profile when it comes to the 2023 anthrax situation, as recent reports only focus on 2025 outbreaks. However, it's important to note that the provided data mainly covers developments from 2025. To verify Thailand-specific 2023 anthrax-related reports, it's best to contact Thailand's Disease Control Department directly.
- The recent anthrax case in Mukdahan province, the first in three decades, has prompted concerns about chronic diseases, particularly respiratory conditions, digestive health, and neurological disorders, due to the potent bacteria's potential impact on overall health-and-wellness.
- Authorities are investigating six potential anthrax cases in Mukdahan province, following the confirmed fatal case, and have administered doxycycline to over 600 individuals believed to have come into contact with the source of infection.
- The deceased and a surviving individual displayed similar symptoms, such as skin lesions and rashes, but the infected man's condition stabilized after hospitalization, showing no signs of severe anthrax symptoms so far.
- Neighboring provinces have been alerted to the anthrax outbreak, with Amnat Charoen, Kalasin, and Nakhon Phanom monitoring medical-conditions in their populations and advising against consumption of raw beef.
- Anthrax vaccination will be conducted on about 1,200 cattle within a 5-kilometer radius of the initial anthrax case, but no signs of illness or unexplained deaths have been observed among animals in the area.
- Thailand's Disease Control Department should be contacted directly for more accurate 2023 anthrax-related reports, as recent reports seem to focus primarily on 2025 outbreaks, and the provided data mainly covers developments from 2025.
