Mukdahan: Mukdahan has reported three additional patients suspected of anthrax infection, alongside 377 individuals who have been in contact with the disease, following the first anthrax-related death in several years. In Loei Province, villagers are alarmed after the unexplained deaths of three cows.
According to Thai News Agency, the initial anthrax case in the Don Tan area of Mukdahan was traced back to a villager in the Lao Mi sub-district who fell ill after handling and consuming beef at a local event. The villager developed a fever and skin rash, and succumbed to the illness three days after hospitalization. Medical professionals diagnosed the cause as anthrax infection.
Dr. Nonchaya Jaitrong from Don Tan Hospital received commendation from the Mukdahan Provincial Public Health Office for the swift and accurate diagnosis of anthrax using a Gram Stain test. This early detection allowed for immediate disease control measures and the identification of at-risk groups, helping to mitigate the spread of the disease.
In response, Mr. Chakkrit Chumchan, the Don Tan District Chief, has issued a new set of disease control measures. These include establishing checkpoints to block the movement of cattle and buffaloes in and out of Don Tan District, with specific checkpoints set up at Ban Pa Phayom, Ban Na Huai Kok, Ban Phu Wong, and in front of the Pa Rai Police Station.
The previous control measures remain in effect, prohibiting the slaughter of animals during the Boon Duan 6 festival, mandating health surveys by village volunteers, and requiring immediate reporting of any cattle exhibiting symptoms of anthrax. Starting May 3, the Don Tan livestock office will begin vaccinating cattle in affected areas, with a 21-day ban on slaughtering animals post-vaccination.
Dr. Narong Chankaew, Mukdahan’s Public Health Officer, noted that while only one death has occurred, three new patients are currently receiving treatment, and 377 people have been identified as having had contact with the disease. These individuals, comprising butchers, raw meat consumers, and their contacts, have been screened and provided preventive medication.
In Ban Khok Sawang, Lao Mi Subdistrict, authorities inspected the cattle slaughtering site linked to the outbreak, collected samples, and disinfected the area. Plans are underway to vaccinate 1,222 cattle within a 5-kilometer radius and administer antibiotics to 124 cattle at risk. Residents are cautioned against consuming raw beef dishes to avert potential anthrax infection.
In Loei, the death of three cows under mysterious circumstances has raised fears of an anthrax outbreak. The village headman of Kaew Tao has coordinated with local livestock authorities to investigate, instructing villagers to avoid contact with the deceased animals.
This is the first anthrax fatality in Thailand since 2017, when a patient contracted the disease from butchering a goat. The country experienced its largest outbreak in 1995, with 102 reported cases. Neighboring Laos reported an outbreak in March last year, leading to strict disease control measures.