Bangkok /New Delhi – Thailand has issued a health advisory for international travellers, including Indian nationals, after confirming the country’s first anthrax-related death in more than three decades.
The deceased, a 53-year-old man from Mukdahan Province in northeastern Thailand, reportedly contracted the disease through contact with infected cattle. Another 53-year-old individual, also linked to livestock, has tested positive for anthrax and is currently undergoing treatment in hospital, Thai health officials said.
Authorities have identified a “risk group” of 638 people, which includes butchers and raw meat consumers, who are now being administered prophylactic antibiotic treatment as a preventive measure.
Anthrax, a rare but potentially fatal bacterial infection, is primarily contracted through exposure to spores found in contaminated soil, or via contact with infected animals and their products. Human cases are most often linked to the consumption of raw or undercooked meat, or direct contact with animal hides.
Symptoms include skin blisters or lesions, swollen lymph nodes, and in some cases, respiratory complications. Medical professionals in Thailand and India have advised travellers to avoid consuming raw meat and to steer clear of livestock during their visits.
Thailand remains one of the most popular international destinations for Indian tourists due to its affordability, ease of visa processing, and diverse attractions. In light of the recent health risk, Indian authorities are advising travellers to exercise caution, particularly when visiting northeastern Thailand.
Separately, Thailand has rolled out a mandatory Digital Arrival Card system for all foreign travellers entering the country by air, land, or sea. The measure, introduced by the Thai Immigration Bureau, aims to enhance surveillance against human trafficking and illegal migration.
Travellers must fill out the online form via the official immigration website before arrival. Failure to do so could result in entry delays or denial, authorities warned.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs has not issued a formal travel ban but has urged Indian nationals visiting Thailand to:
- Avoid raw or undercooked meat
- Refrain from handling livestock or animal products
- Monitor health for skin-related symptoms and seek immediate medical care if needed
- Ensure the Digital Arrival Card is completed prior to travel
