Community Anthrax Death Reported in Mukdahan Province

[Georgealbert]

 

Picture courtesy of Amarin.

 

Authorities have confirmed the death of a resident from anthrax in the Don Tan district of Mukdahan province. The case has prompted swift action from local officials to contain the outbreak and prevent further infections.

 

 

According to reports shared by the popular Thai social media page “Drama-addict”, the deceased had reportedly come into contact with cattle and consumed beef prior to falling ill. The individual, whose name has not been released, developed a fever and skin lesions and was admitted to Don Tan Hospital on 27 April. He was later transferred to Mukdahan Hospital, where he passed away. Medical tests have confirmed anthrax infection as the cause of death.

 

Anthrax, a serious bacterial disease, can be contracted through skin contact, ingestion, or inhalation of spores, particularly in those who handle livestock or consume contaminated meat. Symptoms include fever, skin ulcers, abdominal pain, nausea, and respiratory distress.

 

In response, Mr. Chakrit Chumchan, the district chief of Don Tan, has issued directives to local authorities, village heads, and related agencies to implement strict disease control measures and monitor for potential further cases. 

 

The public has been warned to avoid consuming meat from animals that have died without a clear cause and to immediately report such deaths to local officials for testing.

 

The Ministry of Public Health is urging anyone who has recently handled cattle, buffaloes, goats, or sheep, or who develops suspicious symptoms, to seek medical attention immediately.

 

Officials continue to monitor the situation closely as containment and investigation efforts proceed.

 

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Amarin 2025-05-01.

 

 

 

[treetops]

Also being discussed here:

 

https://aseannow.com/topic/1359348-anthrax-outbreak-in-issan/

 

[Georgealbert]

UPDATE
247 Exposed to Anthrax Following Village Ritual Beef Consumption

 

Picture courtesy of Matichon.

 

The Ministry of Public Health has confirmed that 247 people have been exposed to anthrax after consuming contaminated beef distributed during a merit-making event in Mukdahan Province. One fatality has been reported.

 

Dr. Phanumart Yanawetsakul, Director-General of the Department of Disease Control (DDC), stated on 1 May, that the deceased was a 53-year-old male construction worker with a history of diabetes. He developed lesions on his right hand on 24 April and was admitted to hospital on 27 April with symptoms that included darkening of the wound, swelling of lymph nodes in the right armpit, dizziness, and seizures. He later succumbed to the illness.

 

“Doctors suspected anthrax and submitted samples for testing to both the Department of Medical Sciences and Bamrasnaradura Infectious Diseases Institute,” Dr. Phanumart explained. “The results confirmed infection by Bacillus anthracis.”

 

Initial investigations suggest the infection stemmed from the butchering of a cow during a local religious donation event, known as a phapa, with the meat distributed and consumed within the village. A joint team from the DDC, Office of Disease Prevention and Control 10 in Ubon Ratchathani, the provincial public health office, and livestock officials is now conducting an in-depth investigation.

The 247 individuals identified as having had contact with the infected meat include 28 people involved in the slaughter and 219 who consumed raw or undercooked beef. High-risk individuals have been provided with antibiotic treatment, and containment measures are being actively implemented in the area.

Decontamination measures in the affected area.
 

Dr. Phanumart warned that anthrax is a serious zoonotic disease caused by Bacillus anthracis, whose spores can survive in harsh environmental conditions for years. The disease commonly affects herbivorous animals such as cattle, buffaloes, goats, and sheep, and is typically transmitted to humans through direct contact with infected animals, raw or undercooked meat, or animal hides and wool.

 

Symptoms usually appear within 1–5 days of exposure and may include fever, nausea, vomiting, severe abdominal pain, characteristic ulcerative skin lesions, and difficulty breathing. Without prompt treatment, severe cases can result in death in up to 80% of cases.

 

Thailand reported anthrax cases in 2000, with 15 infections but no fatalities, 14 in Phichit and one in Phitsanulok. A more recent incident in 2017 saw two cases in Mae Sot, Tak Province, linked to contact with a goat carcass smuggled from Myanmar.

 

Neighbouring countries have also reported cases. In 2024, Laos recorded 129 anthrax cases with one death. Vietnam experienced three outbreaks in May 2023 involving 13 patients and 132 exposed individuals, also linked to beef and buffalo meat consumption.

 

To prevent infection, the DDC advises:

 

1. Avoid contact with cattle, buffaloes, goats, and sheep.

2. Wash hands and body thoroughly after handling animals.

3. Consume only meat certified as safe.

4. Report any unusual animal deaths to veterinary authorities.

5. Seek immediate medical attention if symptoms develop.

 

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Matichon 2025-05-02.

 

 

 

[Georgealbert]

UPDATE

New Anthrax Case Confirmed in Mukdahan – Close Friend of Deceased Identified as Infected

 

Picture courtesy of Matichon.

 

Health officials in Mukdahan province have confirmed a second case of anthrax infection following the death of a 53-year-old man who contracted the disease after slaughtering and consuming raw beef. The latest patient, also a 53-year-old man, is a close friend of the deceased and had participated in the same high-risk activities.

 

Dr Narong Chankaeo, Provincial Public Health Doctor for Mukdahan, stated that Don Tan district has now been declared a controlled disease area. All individuals known to have had contact with the infected parties remain within the district. Meanwhile, neighbouring provinces Amnat Charoen and Kalasin have been instructed to heighten disease surveillance.

 

Laboratory testing using RT-PCR methods confirmed the second case on 2 May. The infected man presented with early symptoms, including a lesion on his right hand and rashes. However, as he has no underlying health conditions, his symptoms are currently mild. He is receiving both oral and injectable antibiotics at Mukdahan Hospital and is expected to recover within two weeks, pending monitoring for complications.

 

Two additional individuals are under investigation and awaiting test results, which are expected by 3 May.

 

Dr Narong reported that the total number of people believed to have been exposed to anthrax in connection with the same incident has now reached 638. These individuals include those involved in animal slaughtering or the consumption of raw meat. All identified contacts are being provided with Doxycycline, an antibiotic prescribed at one tablet twice daily for seven days.

 

He stressed that anthrax is a zoonotic disease, meaning it spreads from animals to humans, not from person to person. As such, there is no need for the public to fear human-to-human transmission. Nonetheless, residents are advised to refrain from consuming raw meat during this period and to seek medical attention immediately if any unusual symptoms arise.

 

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Matichon 2025-05-02.

 

 

 

[jacnl2000]

The photo of the very first article is probably well-intended, but it raises an important question about the containment of anthrax spores, no?