An Outbreak of Beriberi among Fishermen in Samut Sakhon

Abstract

In July 2006, 22 suspected cases of beriberi were reported to the Bureau of Epidemiology,Ministry of Public Health. All were male fishermen and admitted to Samut Sakhon Hospital. Thirteen cases (59.1%) were Thai and the other 9 (40.9%) were foreigners. The median age was 26.5 years old (18-41 years old). Clinical manifestations were dyspnea (95.5%), extremity numbness (95.5%), and leg edema (90.9%). Shock was found in 36.4 % of the cases and acute renal failure was presented 72.7% (16 cases), of whom 4 required dialysis. Thirteen cases (59.1%) had cardiomegaly by chest x-rays. Cardiac beriberi was diagnosed in all cases. A serum sample from one case was examined and found to have thiamine deficiency. After administration of thiamine supplement, all the cases recovered uneventfully. Health information about the disease was disseminated to the physician in the area. Vitamin B complex should be provided for persons who working for a long period of time in the sea.