Raw pork fever claims two lives in Thailand outbreak
Two fatalities were recorded due to a recent raw pork fever outbreak, prompting public health officials to caution against consuming raw meat. Symptoms include high fever and muscle aches, especially in those with a history of eating raw pork. Immediate medical consultation is advised.
Today, May 5, Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsuthin reported that there are three confirmed cases of anthrax in Mukdahan province, with one death. Two patients are receiving treatment at Mukdahan Hospital and Don Tan Hospital.
A total of 636 individuals were exposed, with 538 no longer under monitoring after the seven-day incubation period for skin and gastrointestinal symptoms. The remaining 98 individuals are still under observation and have been prescribed Doxycycline for seven days as a preventative measure.
The raw pork fever outbreak in Phrae province has resulted in 14 documented cases and two deaths. The primary risk factor is the consumption of raw pork dishes, such as ‘larb moo.’
Residents experiencing symptoms like high fever and muscle pain, who have a history of eating raw pork or handling raw pork, should seek medical attention immediately and disclose their dietary history to healthcare professionals, as untreated infections can lead to permanent hearing loss.
Somsak emphasised the need for ongoing vigilance from the Department of Disease Control and local public health authorities, even though the incubation period for anthrax has ended. He urged them to closely monitor the situation until it stabilises and public concern diminishes.
Additionally, he stressed the importance of cooking beef properly to avoid anthrax transmission, which is a zoonotic disease not transmitted from person to person. The bacterium can survive in natural environments, such as soil and water, for decades, especially in areas with animal carcasses affected by anthrax.
The Ministry of Public Health has coordinated with relevant agencies to monitor the situation and reassure the public of its ability to contain and manage the outbreak, reported KhaoSod.
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