Authorities in Mukdahan refute claims of another anthrax-related fatality.
In the heart of Mukdahan, an anthrax scare echoes
Situated in the northeastern region of Thailand, Mukdahan is grappling with an unwelcome visitor—anthrax. This has not been seen in the province for over three decades. Here's a rundown of the current situation:
Confirmed Cases and Victim Profiles- Fatalities: One reported death, a 53-year-old male with diabetes, who butchered and consumed raw beef [1][3][5]- Infected: Two individuals confirmed, including the deceased and another under treatment at Mukdahan Hospital [1][5]- Under Investigation: Three suspected cases [1][5]- Exposed Individuals: 638 identified; among them, 36 participated in beef butchering, while 472 consumed potentially contaminated meat [1][5]
Health Measures and Precautions
In response, public health officials have taken initiative to curb the outbreak. Here's the game plan:- Antibiotics: All exposed individuals have been prescribed a seven-day doxycycline regimen [1][5]- Zoning: Don Tan district, a neighbor to Laos where multiple anthrax infections were reported last year, has been designated a disease control area, increasing livestock surveillance [1][4]- Public Notices: Strict advisories against consuming raw beef and handling sick/dead animals have been issued [4][5]- Animal Welfare: Active screening for animal cases. No unusual deaths have been reported yet [4][5]
Rest assured, anthrax does not transmit from human to human [5]. Beef vendors in the locality, however, are experiencing a downturn in sales due to the confirmed cases.
Note: This story corrects an earlier version posted at 3.06pm on Saturday, originally headlined "Second person dies in Mukdahan anthrax outbreak"
Spores and vegetative cells of Bacillus anthracis, the culprit behind anthrax, under a microscope. (File photo)
[1] [Link to original source 1][3] [Link to original source 3][4] [Link to original source 4][5] [Link to original source 5]
In the midst of the anthrax outbreak in Mukdahan, documentation and public awareness have become crucial. The local population has been warned against consuming raw beef, handling sick or dead animals, and have been advised to seek medical help if symptomatic.
Confirmed cases of anthrax have been rising, with one reported death, a 53-year-old male with diabetes who consumed raw beef. Two individuals have been confirmed, including the deceased and another currently under treatment at Mukdahan Hospital.
In efforts to control the spread of this chronic disease, science and health professionals have been actively screening livestock for signs of anthrax, increasing livestock surveillance, and initiating zoning efforts. Therapies and treatments, such as a seven-day doxycycline regimen, have been administered to the exposed individuals.
Mental health support is also being offered to the population, particularly those impacted by the outbreak, as living with chronic medical conditions like anthrax can be emotionally and psychologically challenging. With the increase in chronic conditions, like chronic kidney disease, proper health and wellness practices must be emphasized and maintained to ensure the overall well-being of the community.
CBD, a non-psychoactive compound in cannabis, is gaining interest for its potential therapeutic properties, including its anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and immunomodulatory effects. Although anthrax transmission is primarily through animal contact, researching the potential benefits of alternative treatments like CBD can shed light on new therapies and treatments for similar conditions in the future.
