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Published on November 3, 2007

Hundreds of people were recently found suffering from cholera after eating semi-raw cockle salads.

Bureau of Epidemiology director-general Dr Kamnuan Ungchusak said after a meeting with the Fisheries Department that the Disease Control Department would collaborate with them to investigate cockle farms across the country and finds ways to make the process of cockle breeding more hygienic.

Cockles are typically bred in brackish water, perfect for the vibrio cholera ogawa bacteria to flourish, which are then passed on to people if they eat uncooked cockles. Cholera victims suffer from severe diarrhoea, which at times can be fatal.

Dr Kamnuan said that once the investigation was complete, the Fisheries Department would train farmers to breed cockles in a cleaner fashion.

According to the Public Health Ministry, cholera has spread to 34 provinces, with 958 victims and four deaths so far. The highest rate was in Tak province, where 259 people had contracted the disease. Khon Kaen came a close second with 221 cases and two deaths. Ranong was third with 179 cases and two deaths.

Pongphon Sarnsamak

 The Nation