Fourth anthrax case confirmed in northeast Thailand outbreak
Health officials scramble to contain outbreak amid rising fears in northeastern Thailand
The Mukdahan Provincial Public Health Office announced yesterday a new case of anthrax, raising the total number of cases in the current outbreak to four, with one resulting in death.
According to a source, three are currently hospitalised; two at Mukdahan Hospital and one at Don Tan Hospital.
Of the 636 deemed at risk, 538 have completed a seven-day observation period. The remaining 98 are expected to complete their observation today, May 7. These individuals had contact with the disease either through skin contact or by consuming contaminated meat. The incubation period for anthrax is seven days.
Health officials have advised the public to avoid consuming raw beef and to ensure meat is thoroughly cooked at temperatures of at least 120°C or boiled for 30 minutes to eliminate any potential anthrax bacteria.
Dr Weerawat Manosuthi, a spokesperson for the Department of Disease Control, confirmed that health officials are closely monitoring the outbreak in Mukdahan.
The risks are currently limited to Don Tan district, classified as an outbreak area. Health officials are concentrating on the early detection of the disease among suspected patients and others at risk.
He noted that the initial three cases involved men who fell ill after assisting in butchering a cow that had died under suspicious circumstances.
One of the men has died, while the other two are receiving treatment. Other individuals involved in the butchering of the same cow remain under observation.
Dr Weerawat emphasised the importance of not butchering unsafe meat and avoiding the consumption of raw meat, particularly during local festivals. Anthrax is commonly found in cattle, buffalo, goats, and sheep, but in this instance, beef is believed to be the source.
The provincial livestock office has quarantined 124 animals for 30 days and provided antibiotics and vaccines to over 1,200 animals within a 5-kilometre radius. Currently, there is no vaccine available for humans, but infections can be effectively treated with intravenous antibiotics, reported Bangkok Post.
Dr Weerawat stated that infection through inhalation is rare but can be severe. Skin infections are more common and typically less serious, but can become fatal if untreated.
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