A concerning outbreak of melioidosis, also known as Whitmore’s disease, has surfaced in Thailand, leading to the deaths of approximately ten farmers in Buriram, Nakhon Ratchasima, and Songkhla.
The Department of Disease Control (DDC) in Thailand is issuing a warning to farmers regarding this disease, which is caused by the fungus Burkholderia pseudomallei, commonly found in contaminated soil, water, rice fields, and agricultural areas. The recent outbreak during the spring season has created unease among medical professionals across the country.
Dr. Taweesak Wisanuyothin, the head of DDC Office 9, revealed that there have been 582 reported cases of the illness in four provinces in the lower northeastern region under his office’s jurisdiction this year. These provinces include Buriram with 336 cases, Nakhon Ratchasima with 93, Surin with 106, and Chaiyaphum with 47. Unfortunately, six individuals, four from Buriram and two from Nakhon Ratchasima, have succumbed to the disease.
Dr. Taweesak noted that among those affected, 53.78% were farmers, 25.88% were workers, and 6.87% were children. The majority of patients were at least 65 years old, while others fell into the 55 to 64 and 45 to 54 age groups.
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), melioidosis can be transmitted to both humans and animals through direct contact with a contaminated source. Dr. Taweesak explained that humans can contract the disease by touching, ingesting contaminated soil and water, or even by inhaling the fungus. Symptoms, which include high fevers, abscesses, and respiratory infections, can manifest anywhere from one to 21 days after exposure, depending on an individual’s antibody levels.
Dr. Taweesak emphasized the importance of people, especially farmers, taking precautions such as avoiding contact with muddy water. He recommended wearing boots and plastic shoe covers and consuming only thoroughly sterilized water. He also stressed the necessity of seeking immediate medical attention if sudden symptoms occur and suggested contacting the CDC hotline at 1422 for more information.
