Thailand anthrax update: 4 confirmed cases
In a follow-up on the first human anthrax death reported in Thailand since 1994, the Thailand Ministry of Health provided some key events and updates.
On May 1, 2025, the Thailand Ministry of Public Health issued a press release regarding a fatal anthrax case in Don Tan district, Mukdahan Province, near the border with Laos.
The case was a 53-year-old diabetic male construction worker and developed sores on his right hand in late April. He did not consult healthcare services until the wound deteriorated and passed away.
As of May 6, 2025 at 08.00 a.m., a total of 4 confirmed cases were found, of which 1 case has died and 3 cases are under treatment (treated at Mukdahan Hospital and Dontan Hospital), including a total of 636 contacts, 538 cases have ended the disease surveillance period, and 98 cases are in the surveillance period for skin and gastrointestinal diseases.
Initial investigations suggested that people were likely exposed to the bacteria through slaughtering of cattle at a merit-making event and the distribution of the slaughtered cattle meat to the villagers. Of note, on 28 April, a cow died in the barn from unknown causes. Investigations are ongoing.
Authorities have implemented preventive measures, including providing antibiotic treatment for exposed individuals. Authorities are also actively sharing information with villagers, including through public awareness campaigns across various media platforms.
The Director-General of the Department of Disease Control, Dr. Panumas Yanavetsukul emphasized to the public, particularly Mukdahan Province and nearby areas to strictly follow these preventive measures. 1. Avoid contact with sick animals (cattle, buffaloes, goats, and sheep). 2. Wash your hands and wash your body after touching animals 3. Choose to consume meat that is certified as safe food 4. Eat cooked, hot, and clean food 5. If you have any unusual symptoms, see a doctor immediately.
A total of 1,222 cattle within a 5-km radius have been vaccinated against anthrax as part of livestock control measures to prevent disease spread and ensure herd health.
A total of 123 cattle herds, suspected of being the source of human infections, were quarantined. The animals received penicillin for seven days and will be monitored for at least 20 days.
Disinfection has been carried out in all at-risk areas. Animal, soil and water samples have been collected for testing, with results pending.
Officials have also banned cattle slaughter during ceremonies and are closely monitoring practices in nearby areas. Cattle movement is being strictly controlled through four designated checkpoints to prevent the spread of infection and ensure effective containment measures.
Subscribe to Outbreak News TV on YouTube
Anthrax is a serious animal-to-human disease caused by the bacterium Bacillus anthracis, whose spores are resistant to the environment and can cause disease even after several years. The main source of the disease is ruminants such as cattle, buffaloes, goats, and sheep, which can transmit the infection directly to humans. Most infections in humans are caused by direct contact with infected animals, such as dissecting meat. Consumption of raw or undercooked meat, or contact with infected animal skins or wool.
Cases found in Thailand In 2000, there were a total of 15 cases and no deaths (14 cases in Phichit and 1 case in Phitsanulok). In Phitsanulok province, it was found that the dissecter had wounds by bringing in the carcass of a goat to dissect and eat it himself. Recently, in 2017, two cases were found in Mae Sot District, Tak Province, both of whom dissected the carcass of a goat brought from Myanmar by skinning the goat with their bare hands. As for the situation in countries with areas bordering Thailand. In 2024, Laos recorded a total of 129 cases of anthrax infection and 1 death. There were 3 cases of anthrax outbreaks, a total of 13 cases and 132 contacts from eating cattle and buffalo meat as well.