Anthrax Outbreak in Mukdahan Leads to One Fatality and Hundreds Exposed

Public health officials in Mukdahan province have announced a growing anthrax outbreak. They went on to report two cases and one death associated with the disease. This crucial information was provided to us by Dr. Narong Chankaew, head of the Mukdahan Provincial Public Health Office. His announcement arrives on the heels of escalating public health safety concerns.

The decedent was a 53-year-old man who played a major role in the spread of the disease. He killed a cow and gave the meat to villagers for a communal feast at a recent religious festival. His actions sensationalized a large group of people. Of note, 36 people actively participated in the slaughter including traditional slaughter methods, and 472 people ate raw meat of the infected animal. Moreover, there are 130 observed household contacts that could have potentially encountered the deceased.

The first confirmed patient, a close friend of the deceased, started experiencing symptoms on April 24. A lesion then developed on his right hand shortly thereafter. Instead, he sought hospital care three days later on April 27. After a week there, his situation rapidly deteriorated. The wound went necrotic, and inflammation developed in the lymph nodes beneath his right armpit. After undergoing treatment, he suffered fainting spells and seizures before ultimately dying while in treatment.

Since May 2, health officials have cleared 638 people as having been potentially exposed to anthrax in the area. This emerging zoonotic disease spreads primarily from animal to human. There’s no concern for person-to-person transmission in this outbreak.

On the ground, public health officials are encouraging residents to be aware and report new symptoms as soon as possible. Do not eat raw or undercooked meat from animals that could be infected. This is important information for the community to know, especially as concern grows over zoonotic diseases.

Assuring the public, Dr. Chankaew said that health authorities are keeping a close eye on the situation. Like other countries, they are prepared to take even stronger steps to contain the spread if needed. Keep on keeping watch, city! We continue to urge residents in the area to follow health advisories as we work to learn the full impact on resident’s exposure.