A deadly anthrax outbreak has hit Thailand’s northeastern Mukdahan province, claiming its first victim in three decades and putting hundreds at risk of exposure. Health authorities are scrambling to contain the potentially lethal bacterial infection that appears to have spread from contaminated livestock.

Thai government Increases Anthrax Surveillance Following Cases in Laos

The fatal case involves a 53-year-old man who died Wednesday after developing severe skin lesions characteristic of anthrax infection. His friend, also infected, is currently hospitalized with similar symptoms but is expected to recover after antibiotic treatment. Three additional suspected cases are under investigation in what health officials fear could be a growing outbreak.

“This is our first anthrax death since 1994,” confirmed Dr. Narong Chankaeo, Mukdahan’s provincial health chief. “We’re treating this as a major public health emergency.”

The outbreak epicenter has been traced to Don Tan district, located along the Mekong River bordering Laos where a significant anthrax outbreak infected 129 people last year. Authorities have identified 638 local residents who may have been exposed through handling or consuming infected beef, with all receiving preventive antibiotics.

Alarm bells are ringing across the region as neighboring provinces Amnat Charoen, Kalasin and Nakhon Phanom have been placed on high alert. Public health warnings have been issued urging residents to thoroughly cook all meat and avoid contact with sick animals.

Thailand reports anthrax death as public health alert issued for outbreak https://t.co/NvE5kO9G9d

— Bano x (@Banox6) May 2, 2025

The Department of Livestock Development is taking aggressive action, preparing to vaccinate approximately 1,200 cattle within a 5-kilometer radius of the outbreak zone. While no sick animals have been reported yet, officials suspect the bacteria may have spread from Laos through cross-border livestock trade or contaminated meat products.

Anthrax, caused by the bacterium Bacillus anthracis, typically infects humans through contact with infected animals or contaminated animal products. The disease cannot spread between people but can be fatal if untreated. Symptoms often begin with skin sores before potentially progressing to severe systemic infection.

Thailand’s last anthrax cases occurred in 2017 with two non-fatal infections, while the country’s most recent death before this week dated back to 1994. The current outbreak follows concerning patterns seen across Southeast Asia, with Laos reporting 129 cases last year and Vietnam confirming 13 infections in May 2023.

Health officials are particularly concerned about traditional practices in the region where raw or undercooked beef consumption remains common. “We cannot stress enough – people must cook meat thoroughly and avoid handling sick animals without protection,” warned Dr. Narong.

Anthrax alert at Thai-Lao border after human infections reported in Laos

As investigations continue, authorities are monitoring border areas and implementing enhanced livestock surveillance to prevent further spread of the deadly bacteria that has suddenly re-emerged after decades of dormancy in Thailand.

-Thailand News (TN)