Thai Health Ministry issues alert after anthrax scare in Maesot

BANGKOK, Nov. 28 (Xinhua) -- The Public Health Ministry of Thailand has issued a national warning against consumption of un-cooked meat, especially meat from animals that died from illnesses or unknown causes.

The warning was issued on Monday evening.

According to local media reports, Thailand's Maesot District of Tak Province have registered people with anthrax-like small blisters or bumps on their hands and arms after eating the meat.

A medical team has been dispatched from Mae Sot Hospital to investigate the suspected anthrax case after three villagers developed the similar symptoms after eating goat meat that was brought in from a neighboring country.

Public health permanent secretary Dr Jesada Chokedamrongsuk said that specimens taken from the patients had been sent to the Medical Science Centre for examination to determine the disease.

While the ministry is awaiting the result of laboratorial tests, Dr. Jesada said he had instructed all provincial health officials to coordinate with livestock officials to stay alert for diseases which could be transmitted from animals to humans.

"I would like to advise cattle breeders not to sell these animals that died from unknown causes as they may be infected with Anthrax," said Dr. Jesada. "If it is necessary for them to touch the animals, they must wear gloves and wash their hands with soap after coming in contact with the animals or else they are bound to contract fever or muscle pains."

Dr. Jesadda also reiterated that should breeders find themselves with drowsiness, they should immediately see a doctor within 48 hours.

Anthrax affects mainly livestock and wild animals and it can be transmitted to other animals and men through skin contact, inhalation, breathing and eating of their meat.

Signs and symptoms of anthrax infection include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, headache, loss of appetite, fever, severe diarrhea, sore throat and difficult breathing and swollen neck. Enditem