Thailand has reported its first anthrax-related death after two confirmed infections and hundreds of potential exposures, prompting a nationwide health alert, officials said Thursday.
A 53-year-old man in Mukdahan province, near the Laos border, died on Wednesday from the bacterial infection. A second confirmed case and three suspected cases are under investigation in the same region.
At least 638 people are being monitored after consuming raw or undercooked meat or participating in livestock butchering, health officials said. All are receiving antibiotics as a precaution.
The Agriculture Ministry announced a 5-km quarantine zone and plans to vaccinate over 1,200 cattle, although no animals have shown symptoms. The last human anthrax infections in Thailand were in 2017, with no fatalities.
Authorities are continuing efforts to trace the infection source and have increased surveillance along the border areas.
Anthrax is a rare but serious illness caused by a spore-forming bacterium, Bacillus anthracis. Anthrax mainly affects livestock and wild game. Humans can become infected through direct or indirect contact with sick animals.
A 53-year-old man in Mukdahan province, near the Laos border, died on Wednesday from the bacterial infection. A second confirmed case and three suspected cases are under investigation in the same region.
At least 638 people are being monitored after consuming raw or undercooked meat or participating in livestock butchering, health officials said. All are receiving antibiotics as a precaution.
The Agriculture Ministry announced a 5-km quarantine zone and plans to vaccinate over 1,200 cattle, although no animals have shown symptoms. The last human anthrax infections in Thailand were in 2017, with no fatalities.
Authorities are continuing efforts to trace the infection source and have increased surveillance along the border areas.
Anthrax is a rare but serious illness caused by a spore-forming bacterium, Bacillus anthracis. Anthrax mainly affects livestock and wild game. Humans can become infected through direct or indirect contact with sick animals.
