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BANGKOK, May 3, 2025 – Thai health authorities have confirmed the country’s first anthrax-related death in more than three decades, sparking a major public health response in the northeastern province of Mukdahan. Officials announced on Thursday that a 53-year-old man died after contracting the rare but potentially fatal bacterial disease, with hundreds more now under observation for possible exposure.
Details of the Outbreak
The deceased, a resident of Mukdahan province near the Laos border, succumbed to anthrax on Wednesday. Another confirmed infection has been reported in the same area, while three additional suspected cases are currently under investigation. The Ministry of Public Health has identified at least 638 people who may have been exposed to the bacteria, primarily through the consumption of raw or undercooked beef.
Of those potentially exposed, 36 individuals were directly involved in the slaughtering of livestock, while the rest reportedly ate meat that may have been contaminated. All are now receiving preventive antibiotic treatment as part of the government’s containment strategy.
“The health ministry is actively monitoring all individuals who may have come into contact with the contaminated meat,” officials stated.
Containment and Prevention Measures
The Livestock Department has implemented strict containment protocols in Mukdahan, including a five-meter quarantine zone around the site of infection. The Ministry of Agriculture has announced plans to vaccinate over 1,200 cattle in the region, although no animals have yet shown symptoms or suffered unexplained deaths.
Anthrax is caused by the bacterium Bacillus anthracis, typically transmitted to humans through contact with infected animals or the consumption of contaminated meat. The disease does not spread from person to person.
Historical Context and Regional Concerns
Thailand’s last reported human cases of anthrax occurred in 2017, with two infections and no fatalities. The most recent death prior to this week was in 1994, when three people died from the disease. The new fatality comes amid a rise in regional cases, with neighboring Laos reporting 129 cases and one death in 2024.
Authorities are now intensifying surveillance along Thailand’s borders and investigating the source of the latest outbreak.
Disclaimer:
This article is based on information reported by Reuters on May 2, 2025. Details may evolve as new information emerges. For the latest updates and official guidance, please refer to Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health and the World Health Organization. This content is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice.
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