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According to Reuters on April 30, Thai authorities have confirmed the death of a 53-year-old man in Mukdahan province, located in the northeastern region bordering Laos, due to anthrax infection. This marks the country’s first anthrax-related fatality since 1994. In addition to the confirmed death, one more infection has been identified in the same province, and three suspected cases are currently under investigation.

In response, local authorities swiftly activated emergency health measures. Health officials have identified at least 638 individuals at risk of exposure, including 36 people who participated in cattle slaughtering and hundreds of others who consumed raw or undercooked beef. All of these individuals are currently being treated with preventive antibiotics and are under close medical surveillance.

Thailand's Ministry of Agriculture has implemented containment measures, including establishing a 5-kilometer quarantine zone around the affected area to prevent further spread. The Department of Livestock Development is also conducting sampling and monitoring of livestock in the region.

Anthrax is a rare but serious bacterial infection, typically transmitted from animals to humans through direct contact or consumption of contaminated meat. The disease is not spread from person to person.

Thailand last reported human anthrax cases in 2017, with two people infected but no fatalities. In 2000, 15 cases were recorded, all of which were successfully treated.

Authorities are continuing to investigate the source of the outbreak and have increased surveillance in border areas to prevent a wider spread of the disease.