45 die from ‘soil fever’ in Thailand, alert issued

Thai media outlet Khaosod reported that a total of 570 people have been infected with the disease during this period.

According to the Department of Disease Control, the infection has spread in Buri Ram, Surin, Nakhon Ratchasima and Chaiyaphum. Among them, Buri Ram had the most infections at 245, with 12 deaths, while Nakhon Ratchasima recorded the highest death toll at 17. The infection rate is highest among older people.

The disease is spread by the ‘Burkholderia pseudomallei’ bacterium present in soil and water. As prolonged rain and floods increase the risk, health officials have advised farmers and local residents to avoid direct contact with contaminated soil and water, and to use rubber boots, gloves and waterproof clothing while working.